Maryland counties once again earned national recognition for innovation, service delivery, and community impact through the 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards.
The program honors creative and effective county government programs in 18 categories across a wide range of county responsibilities, including public safety, technology, economic development, health, and more.
Howard County led the pack, receiving a record-setting 83 awards — the most ever by a Maryland county in a single year — including a “Best in Category” award for its Call Center Training program in Risk and Emergency Management.
Montgomery County followed with 39 awards, celebrating a wide slate of standout initiatives, including innovations in public health, climate resilience, procurement, recreation, corrections, and more.
Other Maryland counties earning recognition in this year’s awards include:
- Anne Arundel County, for its unified emergency action plan training, AED access equity program, risk management training series, and pond restoration initiative.
- Baltimore County, which received a “Best in Category” award for its “Villages of Baltimore County” initiative, along with recognition for dementia care and workforce training programs.
- Frederick County, for its AHORA Stroke Smart Campaign, which supports Spanish-speaking residents.
- Harford County, for its “Neighborhood Table” public health initiative.
- Prince George’s County, for its “Transit Transformation” project, is advancing community and economic development.
The NACo Achievement Awards program is non-competitive and open to all counties across the nation. Winners gain local and national visibility, with programs featured in NACo’s publications and across local media.
For the complete list of 2025 awardees and program descriptions, visit NACo’s Achievement Awards page.
