Press Release: miOttawa.org rated among top government websites

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 07/26/2016 02:46 PM EDT

July 26, 2016

Media Contact: Shannon Felgner, Communications Manager, 616-738-4672, 616-610-4401

Ottawa County Website Ranks Seventh Nationwide Among Government Websites

The Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties have announced the winners of the 2016 Digital Counties Survey, naming miOttawa.org among the leading government websites in the country. The annual survey recognizes the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that save tax dollars through newfound efficiencies; boost transparency, cybersecurity and engagement; or innovate through unique and exciting projects. Ottawa County earned the seventh spot in the nation compared to counties of similar size. Ottawa has made the top ten on the national list during seven of the past eight years.

“It is an honor to be recognized nationally. Citizens expect more from a website than information and miOttawa.org strives to deliver. We continue to grow our online services, " said Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County’s Communication Manager. "We also added email subscription services as a way to push information to residents. To date, 18,297 people are subscribed to receive county news via email." May 2016's citizen survey found support for Ottawa’s online presence as well:

78% of citizens who had visited miOttawa.org offered a positive assessment
When asked, citizens aged 18-49 rated miOttawa.org as their preferred source of county government information
67% of this age group also agreed that they would prefer doing business online versus visiting an office

“Digital counties have evolved to recognize the value of technology, empower their tech leaders and use new ideas to make life better for everyone who lives and does business in the county,” said Todd Sander, Center for Digital Government Executive Director. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their work to innovate, improve transparency and proactively address citizen demands and expectations.”

“Modern technology allows counties across the country to innovate, providing citizens with smarter, more cost-effective services,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The Digital Counties Survey recognizes county innovations that truly benefit our communities and, by extension, America.”

Ottawa County wasn’t the only Michigan winner. Allegan County took first in its population division and Oakland County was fifth among peer counties in the U.S. For a list of all the winners, visit govtech.com.

250,000-499,999 Population Category

Sonoma County, CA
Chesterfield County, VA
Dakota County, MN
Loudoun County, VA
Cumberland County, NC & Dutchess County, NY
Bell County, TX
Ottawa County, MI & Leon County, FL
County of Santa Cruz, CA
Douglas County, CO
Dauphin County, PA & Richland County, SC

Access the online service center at miOttawa.org/servicecenter

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Ottawa County | Where you belong

Over 1100 Ottawa County employees work together and achieve this through their commitment to excellent, cost-effective public services. For more information plus many online services, visit miOttawa.org.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. Public welcome. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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