Maryland counties are once again earning national recognition for innovative programs and services addressing challenges in their communities.
County programs from across Maryland received 165 awards through the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 2026 Achievement Awards, recognizing work across areas including information technology, health and human services, economic development, transportation, public safety, sustainability, and more.
Among this year’s Maryland winners, three programs earned NACo’s prestigious Best in Category designation, recognizing them as standouts within their respective award categories:
- Frederick County: Narcan Deployment and Training Across Frederick County Significantly Reduces Overdose Rates (Human Services)
- Howard County: HoCo Dash 2.0 (Information Technology)
- Montgomery County: EquiCare Grant Program (Children and Youth)
The three programs reflect the range of work underway in Maryland’s counties, from addressing the opioid crisis and expanding opportunities for children and families to using technology to improve county services.
Beyond the Best in Category honorees, Maryland counties received recognition for programs spanning nearly every facet of local government. Award-winning initiatives tackled workforce development, artificial intelligence, transportation, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, public engagement, parks and recreation, agriculture, healthcare, and internal government operations.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street as we highlight Maryland’s 2026 NACo Achievement Award winners county by county, taking a closer look at the programs, partnerships, and ideas earning national recognition.
The NACo Achievement Awards have recognized innovative county government programs since 1970. Awards are presented in 18 categories covering a broad range of county responsibilities and services.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street as we celebrate Maryland’s award-winning counties and the people and programs behind their success!
