Read more about the article Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience
Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards / Transportation and Public Works
Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience

Montgomery County earned national recognition for initiatives that improve how residents move through their communities, prepare critical infrastructure for disruptions, and help residents make informed decisions about their health and safety. Transportation is a major part of that work. In June 2025, Montgomery County implemented its Ride On Zero Fare Policy, eliminating passenger fares across Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses. The policy aims to remove financial barriers for riders,…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article From AI to Drones, Montgomery County Puts Technology To Work & Earns National Recognition
Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards
From AI to Drones, Montgomery County Puts Technology To Work & Earns National Recognition

Montgomery County earned national recognition for technology and process improvements that are changing how employees work, how residents access information, and how government services are delivered. Among the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award winners is Project Bluejay, a drone program developed by the Department of Permitting Services to make inspections faster, safer, and more precise. Drones can access stormwater systems, sediment basins, green roofs, steep grading sites, roofs, and other difficult…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection
Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards
Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection

Montgomery County earned national recognition for programs expanding access to child care, recreation, education, and community support for residents across generations. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards is the EquiCare Grant Program, which earned Best in Category in Children and Youth. EquiCare was created to address a gap facing families who need high-quality early childhood education but are ineligible for traditional subsidies. The program funds dedicated seats for infants and…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Howard County Builds New Pathways for Work, Business, and Community
Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards
Howard County Builds New Pathways for Work, Business, and Community

From career exploration and apprenticeships to small-business development, agriculture, historic preservation, and recreation, Howard County earned national recognition for programs that create new opportunities for residents and strengthen the communities around them. Several of the County’s 2026 NACo Achievement Award winners focus on helping young people understand where their interests can lead. Howard County’s Virtual Career Exploration Program uses immersive virtual reality simulations and career coaching to allow middle and high school students to explore…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Howard County Programs Bring Health, Safety, and Support Closer to Home
Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards
Howard County Programs Bring Health, Safety, and Support Closer to Home

Howard County earned national recognition for programs designed to connect residents with health, safety, and human services where they already live, gather, and seek support. Among the County’s 2026 NACo Achievement Award winners, one theme recurs: reducing barriers by bringing services into familiar community spaces and building stronger connections among agencies, providers, and residents. The Howard County Health Department Library-Based Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Support program places peer recovery specialists in library branches, offering drop-in…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article From Solar to Smart Salting, Howard County Climate Solutions Earn National Recognition
Environment / NACo Achievement Awards
From Solar to Smart Salting, Howard County Climate Solutions Earn National Recognition

Howard County earned national recognition for a wide-ranging collection of sustainability and resiliency initiatives addressing energy, transportation, stormwater, tree canopy, waste reduction, and the changing climate. The County’s award-winning programs demonstrate that climate work can take many forms. From major infrastructure investments to relatively small changes in the way residents heat their homes, maintain landscapes, or prepare for winter weather. One of their greatest efforts focused on expanding the tree canopy in Howard County. Through…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Howard County Takes Top Honors for Technology That Makes Government Work Better
Broadband / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards
Howard County Takes Top Honors for Technology That Makes Government Work Better

Howard County earned national recognition for a broad portfolio of technology and administrative initiatives designed to make government more transparent, secure, efficient, and easier to navigate. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards was HoCo Dash 2.0, which earned Best in Category in Information Technology. The platform transforms large projects, initiatives, and performance measures into concise, visually engaging stories designed to help residents better understand what County government is doing and…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Worcester County Revitalizes a Community Tradition, Earns National Recognition
NACo Achievement Awards
Worcester County Revitalizes a Community Tradition, Earns National Recognition

Worcester County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for revitalizing a longstanding community tradition and helping position it for a more sustainable future. The Revitalized and Reimagined Worcester County Fair earned recognition in NACo’s Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation category. Faced with declining participation and challenges surrounding the Fair’s site, Worcester County took on a greater leadership role in organizing the 2024 event. The County provided both financial and in-kind support…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Hello Harford Turns Tourism Strategy Into National Recognition
NACo Achievement Awards / Tourism
Hello Harford Turns Tourism Strategy Into National Recognition

Harford County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for a data-driven tourism initiative that uses marketing and strategic investment to attract visitors and strengthen the local economy. Hello Harford, the County’s tourism brand, earned recognition in NACo’s Community and Economic Development category for its coordinated approach to destination marketing and visitor engagement. The program works with tourism-related nonprofits, event organizers, and hospitality partners to strengthen Harford County's destination marketing. Through data…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Charles County Turns Winter Storm Communications Into National Recognition
NACo Achievement Awards / Risk Management
Charles County Turns Winter Storm Communications Into National Recognition

Charles County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for an emergency communications campaign designed to help residents become active partners in the County’s response to severe winter weather. The SnowSmart Campaign earned recognition in NACo’s Civic Education and Public Information category. Developed in December 2025 and launched ahead of a major January 2026 winter storm, the initiative shifted the County’s approach from simply sharing storm information to providing residents with clear,…

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August 26, 2026
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