Richland County was recently recognized nationally for its incorporation of technology to improve services and programs for residents, visitors and businesses.
The Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties ranked Richland County sixth out of the 10 top counties in the nation with populations of 250,000-499,999 for its innovative use of technology in its day-to-day operations. During this annual awards process, judges evaluate a County’s integration of technology to uphold government transparency, protect data with cyber security and present information, forms and services to residents in easily accessible formats.
“I’m thrilled to see that once again Richland County is being recognized for its best practices and excellence in technology,” said Janet Claggett, Richland County’s Chief Information Officer. “Our County often scores in the top ten and has even scored as number one in the nation in our population category. Any time you can score in the top ten, you know you are doing something right.”
Some of Richland County’s recent technology upgrades that led to its recognition include:
- Being named the first Certified Connected Capital Community in the nation for its commitment to increasing broadband Internet availability across Richland County
- Implementing a cutting-edge weather information system, RC WINDS, that provides the public and emergency responders with live weather reports from dozens of data collection points
- Enhancing cyber security measures and cyber security training for County employees
- Improvements to GIS mapping services for businesses, students and residents
- Updated websites for the Richland County Small Local Business Enterprises and Richland County Economic Development
- Increasing the efficiency of recording case information for the Coroner’s Office
- Establishing an Information Technology Strategic Plan that sets goals and initiatives for continuing to use technology to its fullest extent in providing government services
“Receiving a national award gives our team even more motivation to create new efficiencies and innovation so we can ensure Richland County is ready to meet the technological challenges and opportunities that are on the horizon,” Claggett said.
Richland County was recognized for the 2015 Digital Counties Survey Award with the company of Chesterfield County, Va., Dutchess County, N.Y., Jefferson Parish, La., and Sonoma County, Calif.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” said Center for Digital Government Executive Director Todd Sander. “Their work continually innovates in an ever-changing technology landscape and proactively addresses citizen demands and expectations.”