The Information Technology Systems (ITS) Department of Cabarrus County Government has clinched a national accolade, claiming first place in the 23rd annual Digital Counties Survey. This esteemed competition, organized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation in county governance technology.
Excelling in the 150,000 – 249,999 population category, Cabarrus County's victory is not a one-off event. The county has a history of success in this arena, having also secured the top position in 2021 and 2019, with a consistent top 10 presence over the past 13 years. According to the results published yesterday, they received this year's honors primarily for crafting an IT strategy that directly enhances civic engagement, integrating technology not as an end but as a means of community empowerment.
Highlighted by the survey were specific initiatives by the county that set them apart. One such initiative is the development of the Early Voting Wait Times app, which provides voters with real-time, crucial polling location information. The other is the creation of an internal application programming interface designed to bolster secure development workflows thereby accelerating project delivery times. Both were cited as significant contributions to the department's esteemed recognition.
"I'm incredibly proud of our ITS team and the continued recognition they earn," Sean Newton, the County Manager, was quoted saying in a statement released by Cabarrus County. He underscored the team's dedication to innovation, their collaborative efforts, and the impactful solutions they deliver to both employees and county residents. Through such pioneering work, the department not only strives for internal efficiency but, more importantly, for services that resonate with and serve the public need.
The Digital Counties Survey, a collaborative effort between CDG and NACo, stands as a measuring stick for technological competence among U.S. counties.
