The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and Government Technology magazine, in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), announced the winners of the 2025 Digital Counties Survey. Winners were recognized at the 2025 Digital Counties Awards Dinner, held during the NACo Annual Conference on July 11 in Philadelphia. Commissioner Clara Andriola accepted the award for Washoe County, which ranked third for counties with a population of 500,000 – 999,999.
Now in its 23rd year, the survey recognizes counties that are leading the way in using technology to improve public services, strengthen cybersecurity, modernize operations, and deliver more responsive, transparent government. Each year, counties are evaluated on their ability to align IT innovation with strategic priorities and real-world impact. The 2025 Digital Counties Survey not only recognized the most forward-thinking counties—it also identified the top IT priorities guiding technology strategy and investment at the county level. These findings highlight where counties are focusing their efforts to modernize services, strengthen operations, and deliver measurable results.
“This year’s Digital Counties Survey winners exemplify a strong commitment to innovation, excellence in digital government, and public service,” said John Matelski, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government. “Their achievements set a national benchmark and serve as an inspiration to counties across the country working to modernize and improve the delivery of government services.”
“The National Association of Counties (NACo) is honored to support and highlight the outstanding efforts of counties across the nation in advancing digital government and enhancing constituent engagement,” said Rita Reynolds, CIO and Managing Director of Technology Programs, National Association of Counties. “By showcasing this innovative work, counties can learn from one another, adopt leading practices, and explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and generative AI.”
The survey results reflect both the urgency of current challenges and the strategic priorities of forward-thinking counties:
- Cybersecurity holds the top spot for the 12th consecutive year, reinforcing its role as the foundational investment area for counties navigating increasingly sophisticated threats.
- AI and GenAI remain the second-highest priority for the second year in a row. Many counties are advancing from pilots to real-world deployments—leveraging AI to streamline services, automate help desks, and improve decision-making.
- Budget and Cost Control surged from #8 in 2024 to #3 in 2025—reflecting ongoing economic pressures and the need to prove return on digital investments.
- Data Governance appeared in the Top 10 for the first time this year, signaling a shift toward greater transparency, open data, and ethical data stewardship.
- While Talent Management dropped from #4 to #9, it remains a challenge Counties are focused on building long-term IT workforce strategies but report difficulties in rapid scaling.
Leading the pack in each population category, these counties exemplify the survey’s highest standards for innovation, impact, and resident-focused digital services.
Winners with population 500,000 – 999,999
1st – Westchester County, N.Y.
2nd – Snohomish County, Wash.
3rd – Washoe County, Nev.
4th – Polk County, Fla.
5th – New Castle County, Del. 6th – County of Ventura, Calif. 7th – DeKalb County, Ga.
8th – Macomb County, Mich. 9th – County of DuPage, Ill.
10th – City of Indianapolis–Marion County, Ind.
