County Receives National Recognition and Awards for High-Quality Services and COVID-19 Response

County Receives National Recognition and Awards for High-Quality Services and COVID-19 Response

Leon County recently received seven national awards for exceptional county programs, including three COVID-19 economic relief programs, at the 86th annual National Association of Counties’ (NACo) conference. The Created Equal program, which facilitates discussions on race relations in our community , was recognized as the most distinguished innovation in its award category among all counties nationwide.

In addition, Leon County earned top honors for technological adaptability in the face of a shifting digital landscape, specifically regarding quick remote desktop set-up during the pandemic, with the 2021 Digital Counties Survey Award from NACo and the Center for Digital Government.

"We are very honored that our County response to the pandemic has been recognized, alongside our commitment to innovative technology," said Leon County Commission Chairman Rick Minor. "Citizens can be proud of the award-winning County programs that have provided COVID-19 relief and education in areas like human services and economic development." 

Annually, NACo recognizes county government best practices in various areas such as Economic Development, Public Information, and Arts and Culture Preservation, to name a few, and since 2013, Leon County has received 86 NACo awards.

NACo awards highlight programs, services and initiatives that advance county government and enhance services to citizens. Leon County projects that were recognized this year reflect a continued commitment to being a service driven and adaptable organization even in the face of crisis and uncharted challenges.

"Receiving these awards reflect the way our staff has come together over the past year and a half to adapt and serve during these unprecedented times," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "Through organization-wide innovation and problem solving, our County teams remain committed to exceeding the highest standards of public service. We look forward to raising the bar even higher next year!”

In 2021, Leon County Government received the following awards for exceptional programs and services:

• Created Equal named “Best in Category” for the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation
• Leon CARES in the category of Community and Economic Development
• COVID-19 Economic Disaster Relief (CEDR) Grant Program in the category of Community and Economic Development
• COVID-19 Local Emergency Assistance for Nonprofits (LEAN) Program in the category of Human Services
• COVID-19 Communications and Public Information (Including “the Alligator Graphic”) in the category of Civic Education and Public Information
• Short-Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan in the category of Risk and Emergency Management
• “Make it Count” Census Education and Awareness Campaign in the category of Community and Economic Development

Founded in 1970, the annual NACo Achievement Award Program recognizes innovative county government programs that increase services to county residents. These national awards recognize the County’s commitment to providing exceptional services and adapting to changing needs.

For the 19^th Annual Digital Counties Survey Award, Leon County placed 7th in the nation in its population category for its innovative response to changing technology needs over the past year. Survey questions were asked in a variety of areas such as computing, networking, applications, data security, cyber security, open government, and mobile services. A panel identifies the very best examples of counties that are aligning government technology to support strategic priorities.

“The coronavirus pandemic underscored the urgent need for bold, cutting-edge approaches to serving our residents, and technology has played a major role,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This year’s Digital Counties Survey winners have demonstrated true leadership when it was needed the most. We applaud their innovation and expertise in leveraging technology to achieve county goals.”

For more information, contact Andrew Johnson, Assistant to the County Administrator, at (850) 606-5300 / JohnsonAn@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov .

About the National Association of Counties

NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Founded in 1935, NACo represents more than 3,000 counties.

About the Center for Digital Government

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG provides public and private sector leaders with decision support, knowledge, and opportunities to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century.