Baltimore, Carroll, Charles & Montgomery counties have been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for national achievement awards in various categories.

Earlier this year, NACo accepted applications from counties with innovative programs that modernize county government and increase services to county residents.

Started in 1970, the annual Achievement Award Program is a non-competitive awards program that recognizes innovative county government programs. Each application was judged on its own merits and not against other applications received. Awards were given in 21 different categories including children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, and many more.

Baltimore County was recognized with achievement awards for the following eight programs:

• Cool Trees: Reducing Long-Term Energy Costs by Planting Trees
• OIT Data Center Co-location
• Online Reporting – Shoplifting
• Police Field Based Reporting
• SHAPE – Process Model Implementation
• SharePoint – Environment Stabilization and Council Action Request Redesign
• Single Stream Recycling Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
• Strengthening Lives

In a Baltimore County press release, Council Chair Cathy Bevins commented,

“For the County to receive so many national awards is a real testament to the dedicated efforts of County employees to harness technology to work smarter and make a positive difference for the people of Baltimore County.”

Carroll County was recognized with one NACo achievement award for its Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.

Charles County was recognized by NACo with two achievement awards: MDT Emergency Response Integration Project & Mobile Asset Management Program.

Montgomery County was recognized for the following 23 programs:

• “Capsula Informativa” Spanish Language News
• Dataset Pipeline Strategy
• eBudget (Knowledge Management System)
• Educational Videos of the Commission on Common Ownership Communities
• Employment Initiatives for People with Disabilities, Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities
• Energy Modernization Initiative
• ePermits Apply Online Program
• Express Kiosk @ Olney
• FIRM – Financial Reporting and Management
• H2O Summit
• MCCF Technology Program
• Parking Guidance System Program
• Recreation Teen Works
• Rent Supplement Program
• Saving Water and Sewer Costs at the Strathmore Music Center & Clarksburg Correctional Facility
• Senior Initiative
• Service Beyond Our Walls: The System-wide Outreach Model
• Smart Growth Initiative (SGI)
• The David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center (EMTOC)
• Unique Building Address Processor Program
• UpCounty FNA Program
• Vegetated Roof for Rain Water Harvesting System (RWHS)
• Yard Trim Composting Facility

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett stated,

“These awards honor the dedication of all of our employees who work so hard to serve our residents. I am especially proud of the innovative and varied programs that won awards this year. Congratulations to our Department of Permitting Services for receiving a ‘Best of Category’ award for their ePermits submission.”

More information about the awards is available on NACo’s Achievement Awards website.