In a continued streak of digital excellence, Coconino County has snagged a spot among the Top 10 digital counties in the U.S. for populations up to 150,000, the 2025 Digital Counties Survey reveals. This marks their sixth year in a row, earning them acclaim in various tech-related fields – from cybersecurity to broadband expansion.
Matt Fowler, the Chief Information Officer for Coconino County, stated in an interview obtained by the Coconino County official press release, “Technology touches everyone’s lives, shaping how we connect, work, learn, and experience the world every day.” Fowler noted the county’s digital transformation as a key focus, highlighting the public's embrace of online access over in-person meetings, a boon for the vast county's geographically dispersed residents.
In recognition of the county's dedication to technology, the Center for Digital Government placed Coconino County at the forefront of rural digital advancements. The county's achievements include the introduction of SpaceX Starlink's mobile internet service on school buses, establishing a Rural Broadband Manager position, crafting a new Broadband Strategic Plan, and improving the SeeClickFix application – a platform offering residents a direct line to request services or report concerns.
"We are extraordinarily proud to have placed alongside so many highly respected County agencies," expressed Helen Costello, Deputy Chief Information Officer, in the Coconino County official press release. Their Information Technology team's continuous efforts were crucial, providing innovative solutions to deliver enhanced services to constituents. The Top 10 ranked counties were recently honored at a ceremony in Philadelphia during the National Association of Counties' summer conference.
The Center for Digital Government operates as an influential national research body, guiding state and local governments in technology policy and best practices. The National Association of Counties, established in 1935, unites county officials nationally to promote county government priorities in federal policymaking and advance knowledge-sharing among nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.
