We are excited to share the exciting news that Coconino County has been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States deploying digital technology practices for better government.
In the 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital County Survey conducted by the Digital Government Center.
This is the fifth consecutive year that Coconino County Information Technology Department has been ranked in the top 10 for counties under 150,000 people. The County was recognized for aligned leadership, cybersecurity, constituent-centricity, data-driven government, IT investments, resiliency, continuous innovation, connected infrastructure and business process alignment. Notable areas of success include Citizen Assistance Applications. View Quick Fixdigital transformation, IT security, strengthening evacuation maps, etc.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the continued commitment of our public servant employees,” said Matt Fowler, Coconino County's Chief Information Officer. “We have a great team and to be ranked in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to the passion and commitment we have for our community.”
The SeeClickFix application uses customized GIS data to geo-filter information, and when residents open a request using their location, a customized list of available services is returned. Pre-configured location-based zones allow for quick decision making and information distribution. The SeeClickFix system also integrates with the Public Works Department and Flood Control District asset management software. This two-way integration creates the ability to keep residents up to date through requests while providing work history within the application. Outside of emergencies, SeeClickFix is used to capture daily requests for assistance, information, and inquiries for the County. The platform provides quick links to important information such as the County situational awareness hub, County websites, fire restrictions, current state road conditions, and a call button to the call center during emergency events.
Digital transformation efforts include scanning historical records for public viewing on the County website. Older county records are stored on a variety of media, including microfilm, microfiche and bound books, and can only be accessed by appointment in person at the Recorder's Office. In August 2023, Coconino County was awarded a $1,000,000.00 grant from the National Commission on Historical Publications and Records, along with approximately $500,000 in matching funds from the County, to modernize the Recorder's Office records. The project includes microfilm conversion, digitization of bound books, digital storage and retention, and online public access.
Coconino County solicited an RFP and contracted with a scanning company that specializes in microfilm conversion. A book scanner capable of producing Federal Archival Standard (FADGI) scans was purchased to support the digitization of bound books and can also be used for future conversion projects. Once digitally converted, documents will be hosted and served on the Coconino County website, providing an online repository where the public can access documents. This project does not preclude in-person visits to government agencies and expands access to a much larger number of digital users. The grant-funded project is a multi-year effort scheduled for completion by October 2025, with a planned file exchange of 633,334 documents and an estimated 1.9 million images (excluding books).
Defined and continuous enhancements Evacuation Map During emergencies, it is used to quickly identify evacuation zones and inform responders, decision makers, and the public. A collaborative project between the County IT, Sheriff's Office, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Emergency Management (CCEM) departments has resulted in a publicly available, interactive evacuation zone map. Users can view each evacuation zone in the county and its status, as well as search for specific addresses. The map is integrated with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to provide evacuation zone data statewide.
“We are honored to be ranked in the top 10 in the population category in this year's Digital County Survey and are extremely proud to be ranked alongside so many highly respected county agencies,” added Deputy Chief Information Officer Helen Costello. “We thank our information technology team and Coconino County leadership for their hard work and support in providing innovative solutions to our customers and constituents.”
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory organization 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.
