Innovative County Project? Nominate it for the MACo President’s Healthy Counties Best Practices Award!

The MACo President’s Healthy Counties Best Practices Award was started by 2012 President, Ingrid Turner (Council Member, Prince George’s County). The award recognizes Maryland county programs that enhance the health of a county through best practices and innovative programs and partnerships that enrich services to citizens while improving upon the fiscal wellness of the county. Current MACo President, Rick Pollitt (County Executive, Wicomico County), is proud to continue Council Member Turner’s award!

MACo will accept applications for the President’s Healthy Counties Best Practices Award starting March 1, 2013 and ending on April 26, 2013. There will be two award-winners: 1 rural county and 1 urban county. The awards will be presented at the Summer Conference President’s Reception on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. Download the award application or continue reading for more information.


What are the Program Criteria?

The nominated program must meet the following criteria:

1. It must do one or more of the following:

  • Offer a new service to county residents, fill gaps in the availability of existing services, or tap new revenue sources;
  • Improve the administration or enhance the cost effectiveness of an existing county government program;
  • Upgrade the working conditions or level of training for county employees;
  • Enhance the level of citizen participation in, or the understanding of, government programs;
  • Provide information that facilitates effec­tive public policy making; or
  • Promote intergovernmental cooperation and coordination in addressing shared problems.

2. In the case of a program that is in response to a federal or state law, regulation, or order, the program must go beyond mere compliance with the statute, regulation or order, and must display a creative approach to meeting those requirements.

3. The program must have proven measur­able results (e.g. cost savings, enhanced employee productivity, improved constitu­ent service, created better intergovernmental cooperation).

4. The program must be innovative and not rely on the application of techniques or proce­dures that are common practice in most coun­ties of similar population size.

5. All aspects of the program must be consistent with acceptable governmental and financial management practices and must promote general governmental accountability.


Ineligible Programs Include:

  • Programs designed to influence laws and regulations;
  • Certification or accreditation programs;
  • Onetime events such as conducting a conference, or formation of a task force or committee;
  • The publication of a newsletter; or
  • The application of targeted federal or state funds as required.


For More Information: