Arlington Named Top Digital County for 2020
Arlington today was named the No. 1 Digital County in the U.S. by the Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties 2020 awards. This marks the fourth time Arlington has received the top spot for its 150,000-249,999 population category.
The annual awards recognize achievement and best technology practices in areas of open government, transparency, public engagement, planning, cyber security and operations.
“Technology plays an important role in nearly everything we do at the local level, especially now with the challenges of the pandemic.” said Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz. “It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts this past year to provide the digital solutions and critical connections using technology that will benefit our community the most.”
Arlington received the award based on an extensive assessment of its activities, governance and digital strategy leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County’s approach to digitizing services, increased scalability and security, along with a focus on resiliency and digital equity allowed it to quickly and effectively respond to this year’s needs and ensure a seamless continuation of government operations.
“Much of what we do now and in the future will be driven by the core principles of transparency and accountability as a government,” said Jack Belcher, Arlington County Chief Information Officer. “Our Digital Master Plan was created with this in mind, and it serves as a critical roadmap that states our objectives for digital transformation and measures our progress toward their achievement.”
Learn more about the County’s technology efforts led by its Department of Technology Services.
About the Digital Counties Survey Award
The Digital Counties Survey Award provides an annual measure of performance and innovation in using technology by taking an in-depth look at the programs and plans of counties across the nation.
Arlington won the 2020 top ranking for its work in several areas on behalf of residents, businesses, institutions and staff. These areas included: open government, strategic planning, public engagement, cyber security, collaboration, shared services, operations, staffing and resiliency. Also considered was how progress in these technology areas helped support the County’s overall priorities and goals for the year.

Media Contacts
Shannon Whalen McDaniel, 703-228-3685
Jennifer K. Smith, 703-228-7510
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