NACo Achievement Awards Archives

Deadline Extended: Apply Now for NACo’s 2026 Achievement Awards

Counties have more time to showcase their innovation. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has extended the submission deadline for its 2026 Achievement Awards to April 15, giving counties additional time to apply and highlight impactful local programs. The Achievement Awards program is a non-competitive recognition initiative that celebrates innovative county government programs across 18 categories, spanning a wide range of county responsibilities. One program in each category will be selected as a “Best of…

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April 14, 2026

Read more about the article Howard County Steps Up Support for Federal Workers During Shutdown

Photos courtesy of Howard County

Howard County Steps Up Support for Federal Workers During Shutdown

With federal paychecks on hold, Howard County is mobilizing a full range of local supports — from housing and food assistance to community and workforce resources — for affected workers. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced new measures to support residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Joined by US Representative Sarah Elfreth and county officials, County Executive Ball outlined a coordinated response to help federal workers and contractors facing missed paychecks. The County…

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October 7, 2025

County News / NACo Achievement Awards / NACo and Federal Issues

Maryland Counties Shine in 2025 NACo Achievement Awards

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 —…

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July 15, 2025

County News / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards / Planning and Zoning / Risk Management

NACo Awards: Spotlight on Montgomery County in Information Technology

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024

County News / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Leadership / NACo Achievement Awards / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections

NACo Awards: Spotlight on Howard County in Information Technology – Part 2

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024

County News / Human Resources / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards / Planning and Zoning / Tourism

2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight on Howard County in Information Technology – Part 1

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024

County News / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards / Parks and Recreation

2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight on Montgomery County for Parks and Recreation

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024

County News / Emergency Management / NACo Achievement Awards / Parks and Recreation

2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight on Howard County for Parks and Recreation

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024

County News / Environment / NACo Achievement Awards / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works

2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight on Winners in County Resiliency

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 11, 2024

County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards

2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight on County Winners in Health and Human Services

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 3, 2024