Kitsap County Earns National Achievement Award for, Performance Analytics Improves Decision Making, Permit Processing Time, and Quality

Port Orchard – Kitsap County Community Development Performance Analytics Improves Decision Making, Permit Processing Time, and Quality has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) fosters the development of quality, affordable, safe, and environmentally sound communities. To achieve this, the Permitting program is charged with the responsibility of performing application review, plan review and conducting site and building inspections in unincorporated Kitsap County. This work generates massive amounts of valuable and complex data related to the permitting of various land and building activities. Currently, DCD has 231 permit types ranging from regulating the use of land to allowing removal of native vegetation and movement of dirt to construction of safe structures, all of which are regulated by numerous codes and regulations. In early 2022, DCD implemented a Data Analytics program to ensure that the highest quality data is available and utilized in the creation of reports and dashboards. To accomplish this, one new position was created and is dedicated to the program and its outcomes. Using Gartner’s Maturity Model for Data Analytics as a guide, the program treats data as a department-wide asset that is readily available to support evidence-based decision-making and informed action. With access to high quality data, employees are empowered to innovate and proactively manage department work processes through creative data visualizations for improved service delivery, improved quality, and better decision making.

“The Department of Community Development recognized the opportunity to use available data to monitor and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations, all in an effort to better serve our local community. This national award is truly well-deserved.” - Charlotte Garrido, Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners Chair

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.

“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.”

For more information about, click here: NACo Achievement Awards: Kitsap County Community Development Performance Analytics Improves Decision Making, Permit Processing Time, and Quality. For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.

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The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org

June 2, 2023
CONTACT: Alicia Adler; aadler@kitsap.gov