From the desk of the County Manager,

The month of July always brings celebration for county governments as it is when the National Association of Counties (NACo) holds its annual conference and exposition. Durham County Government is always well-represented at the sessions – both in staff and elected officials attending and our organization’s winning of NACo Achievement Awards.

For 2025, I am proud to say that DCo claimed seven of these awards, as well as once again placing in the top 10 of the Digital Counties Survey from the Center for Digital Government (CDG), which was also awarded during this event.

It was great to arrive in Philadelphia with many staff members and our three first-term Commissioners – Michelle Burton, Stephen Valentine, and Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee.

This conference consistently delivers educational value and transformative insights. This year proved especially significant given the evolving federal and state government landscape that continues to shape our organizational challenges and opportunities.

This is the fifth straight year that Durham County has left the convention with multiple honors for the excellent work done by our staff. It is the third straight year that we have maintained a top-10 status in the Digital Counties Survey for counties with a population of 250,000-499,999. In fact, Durham County has placed in the top 10 every year since 2017, except for the year 2022 (in which we did not apply).

So, what are these awards?

The Digital Counties Survey from NACo and the Center for Digital Government honors counties embracing innovative technologies, data governance, cybersecurity, and equity efforts for more responsive and effective government.

The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for their residents. Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

Our winners by category, with a brief description, are:

• Libraries | The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium
  • The annual African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium tells the stories of Black Americans who have cultivated plants and community through their work in gardening.

• County Administration and Management | DCo Forward 2029
  • This new Durham County Strategic Plan was led by the Durham County Office of Strategy and Performance (OSP) and was designed to improve government operations through data-driven performance management.
• Civic Education and Public Information | Durham County Public Facing Website Modernization
  • This project is a strategic and forward-thinking initiative aimed at transforming the County’s primary digital gateway, DCONC.gov, into a modern, user-centric, and accessible platform.
• County Administration and Management | Durham County Voter Experience Survey
  • Beginning with the 2024 Statewide General Election, the Durham County Board of Elections introduced a Voter Experience Survey to gather valuable feedback from voters during both the early voting period and on Election Day.
• Information Technology | Durham County Votes Application
  • The Durham County Board of Elections has created the DCo Votes mobile application, an innovative and user-friendly application created to provide readily accessible election information directly into the hands of Durham County voters.
• Information Technology | Durham County Duke Fiber Implentation
  • The Durham County Broadband Infrastructure Partnership with Duke University is a strategic initiative aimed at expanding high-speed broadband access to key County facilities through an innovative public-academic partnership without the need for new construction or major capital expenditure.
• Information Technology | Durham County Social Services Case Management Modernization
  • The Durham County Department of Social Services Case Management Modernization initiative represents a critical step forward in enhancing the delivery of child and family services through the implementation of Northwoods Traverse, a specialized human services software solution.

The Board of County Commissioners will honor these award-winning staff members during a Regular Session in August. Residents may come to our meetings in person at the Administration I Building at 200 E. Main Street or watch live on Durham Television Network or online. Public service is sometimes taken for granted, and recognizing how staff are making life a little easier, less chaotic, and better for all of us is a reason to celebrate!

At Durham County Government, we are truly excited about our journey to be recognized as one of the finest operated counties in the nation! Embracing state-of-the-art technology is essential to achieving this goal, and I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our IS&T staff in securing these prestigious awards. However, greatness isn’t solely about technology; it shines through in all facets of our organization. The diverse array of award winners from our various departments highlights our collective commitment to excellence. Let’s celebrate these accomplishments together!

Until next week…

Claudia Hager | County Manager