FRANKLIN COUNTY RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL TOP TEN LEADER OF TECHNOLOGY

Rocky Mount, Virginia --- Franklin County officials announced today that the County has placed fourth in the nation in the Annual Digital Counties Survey for communities with a population less than 150,000. Franklin County, at a population of roughly 55,000, competes with counties across America that are up to three times its size for this honor. This is the thirteenth year the County has placed in the nation's top ten annual ranking which recognizes counties that are leading the way in using information and communications technology.

The national ranking is issued by the Center for Digital Government (CDG), in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). The survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; encourage collaboration; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.

“Our nation’s top counties continue to succeed and deliver on key services, breaking down barriers to broadband connectivity and accessibility, building upon innovative and smart initiatives that enable government to better plan for and protect their citizens, constituents, and assets,” said Brian Cohen, vice president, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government is excited to recognize and congratulate this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”

“In our increasingly complex world, counties are using technology to pursue bold, cutting-edge approaches to serving our residents,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “From broadband accessibility to public health and safety, from transportation to community development and much more, technology plays a key role in helping our counties thrive. We applaud this year’s Digital Counties Survey winners for their leadership, innovation and expertise in leveraging technology to achieve county goals.”

During the last three years Franklin County has aggressively secured millions of state and federal grant funding dollars and through its partnership with the private sector broadband providers, is now connecting thousands of homes with high speed, broadband connectivity. The County’s robust GIS (Geographic 2 Information System) is a regional leader with data information daily utilized by residents, businesses, and industries. Most recently, the County’s 24-7 Library Kiosk at the Summit View Business Park received state and national recognition for its innovative approach to connecting citizens with information materials.

"Franklin County’s technology infrastructure is a welcomed asset to both our existing citizens, as well as our growing list of new residents and businesses” stated Chris Whitlow, County Administrator.

Franklin County initially achieved a place in the top 10 Digital Counties Survey in 2009.

The 2022 top 10 winners in the less than 150,000 population were:
1st County of Nevada, CA
2nd Coconino County, AZ
3rd Montgomery County, VA
4th County of Franklin, VA
5th James City County, VA
5th Orange County, VA
6th Dodge County, WI
7th County of York, VA
8th Bedford County, VA
9th County of Albemarle, VA
10th Sherburne County, MN

“To achieve and maintain a Top 10 National Ranking for thirteen years is a tremendous accomplishment, especially when Franklin County competes in a population bracket that includes counties so much larger in size and budgets” stated Ronnie Thompson, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors. He added: “This year’s fourth place ranking speaks volumes about Franklin County’s technology efforts to serve our citizens.”

For more information and details, please visit: https://www.govtech.com/dc/digital-counties/digital-counties-survey-2022-winners-announced

About the Center for Digital Government: The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

About NACo: The National Association of Counties (http://www.naco.org) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government.