County government jumps in national technology ranking

For the second year in a row, Yuma County's government has been ranked among the nation's top 10 digital counties.

According to the 2007 Digital Counties Survey of counties with populations of 150,000 to 249,000, Yuma County was ranked No. 6 for its use of technology to improve its delivery of services.

Not only was Yuma County the only county in the state of Arizona, regardless of size, to receive a top 10 ranking this year, it also jumped from 10th place last year.

The Digital Counties Survey is an annual study by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. To recognize the hard work and innovation of the best governments, the survey's top digital counties will be honored at a national awards ceremony that coincides with the National Association of Counties' national conference this week in Richmond, Va.

In April, thousands of U.S. counties were invited to participate in the survey. It included questions about more than 100 measurements and data points regarding online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture and governance models.

"In today's world, technology is essential for effective and efficient government," said the National Association of Counties Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "County governments realize this and are using technology in new ways to improve the delivery of services to Americans. The Digital Counties Survey illustrates the innovation being pursued by counties across the country."

Center executive director Cathilea Robinett added, "America's counties continue to make astonishing strides each year in their use of technology. In doing so, they greatly improve services to their citizens and make even better use of government's precious resources."

This year's honorees for counties in the 150,000 to 249,999 population range include Frederick County, Md., first place; Roanoke County, Va., second; Racine County, Wis., third; Hamilton County, Ind., and Scott County, Iowa, both fourth; Arlington County, Va., fifth; Yuma County, sixth; Cumberland County, Pa., seventh; Dona Ana County, N.M., eighth; Horry County, S.C., ninth; and McLean County, Ill., 10th.

The Center for Digital Government (see link below) is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The center is a division of e.Republic Inc. (see link below), a national publishing, event and research company focused on information technology in the public sector.