Cook County Earns Recognition for Its Technology Advances

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) today named Cook County one of the Top 10 Digital Counties with a population of 500,000 or more.

The award was announced at the National Association of Counties (NACo) annual conference in Long Beach, CA.

The CDG’s Digital Counties Survey provides an annual measure of performance and innovation by counties throughout the U.S. in using technology.

In this 14th annual survey, the CDG and NACo were looking for counties which align technologies with their governmental goals; which save tax dollars through newfound efficiencies; which boost transparency, cybersecurity and engagement; as well as innovate through unique and exciting projects.

In 2015 Cook County invested over $150 million in IT innovation, modernizing aging software and infrastructure for offices throughout the County. Its “Big Four” technology projects – Integrated Justice, Integrated Revenue, Integrated Property and Enterprise Resource Planning – helped set Cook County apart from its peers.

“The Big Four projects represent an unprecedented leap forward for Cook County,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “These major projects, and many others under way throughout the County, are providing residents with a much more efficient, transparent and responsive government.”

In announcing the recognition, CDG said, “Pushing past the mantra of e-government, (Cook) County is focused on smart government that combines transparency, department integration and cybersecurity.”

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. The Center provides public and private sector leaders with support and actionable insight to help drive 21st-century government.

The Center is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.