The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) have announced that the County of Ventura is among the 2015 Digital Counties Survey winners. The annual survey recognizes leading examples of counties using technology to improve services and boost efficiencies and identifies best technology practices among U.S. counties.

“This recognition is clear evidence of our commitment to use technology to inform our residents and improve our efficiency. Technology is a real difference-maker for us in being able to provide customer service to the public,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Our Information Technology Services staff, as well as our technology staff throughout our agencies and departments, are high-quality employees striving to use technology to improve the way the County does business. This award shows they are succeeding.”

In receiving the award, the County of Ventura was recognized for:

  • Migrating nearly 9,000 users and 11,000 email accounts to Microsoft’s cloud-based Office 365 email platform. The project — completed in six months and $800,000 under budget — replaced 20-year-old Novell GroupWise software.
  • Launching a new open-budget portal that dynamically presents revenues and expenses to citizens, and strengthens budget management capabilities for county leaders.
  • Launching new financial management and performance budgeting solutions. They will provide a range of new capabilities for internal staff and vendors doing business with the County.
  • Releasing innovative mobile apps for residents: Among them, an animal services app matches lost pets to their owners — in many cases before the lost pets arrive in the county animal shelter. And a new elections app lets users register to vote using a smartphone or tablet and view election results in real time.

“There is a wealth of data available from County agencies and departments,” said Mike Pettit, Director of IT Services. “We’re using technology and innovation to bring that information to the public we serve on their smartphones and other devices.”

The awards are presented during NACo’s annual conference held each July.