Montgomery County, Md.; Chesterfield County, Va.; Catawba County, N.C.; and Charles County, Md. made it a clean sweep for the East Coast in the 2013 Digital Counties Survey announced Thursday, July 18.
 
The four counties earned top rankings in their respective population categories for effectively and efficiently using digital technologies to serve their citizens, streamline operations and achieve measurable benefits. The annual survey is conducted by the Center for Digital Government in conjunction with the National Association of Counties. Hundreds of submissions were judged by a panel of experts, including Center for Digital Government executives.
 
Editor’s Note: Government Technology and the Center for Digital Government are owned by the same parent company, e.Republic Inc.
 
Survey questions were asked in a variety of areas such as computing, networking, applications, data and cybersecurity, open government, mobile services, and much more. The survey results reflect work done during 2012. The top 10 counties in each of four population categories received a ranking. (See sidebar below.)
 
Besides identifying the nation's most tech-savvy county governments, the survey also points to some big-picture trends that are occurring across the country. For instance, 84 percent of counties that submitted the survey said they are consolidating data centers, applications and staff – a 13 percent increase over the past two years. Meanwhile, 80 percent are pursuing joint service delivery – a 10 percent increase compared to two years ago. In addition, 49 percent said they were implementing business intelligence and/or advanced analytics at the enterprise level – up 18 percent from last year.

(By Matt Williams)