DeKalb government ranks fourth in nation for COVID-19 technology response

DeKalb County Government has received national recognition for its best technology practices among U.S. counties in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG)  and National Association of Counties (NACo), identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage open data, collaboration and shared services, enhance cybersecurity and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts.

DeKalb County was ranked fourth in the nation among counties with populations of 500,000 to 999,999 in the 18th annual Digital Counties Survey, according to a press release. Of the 106 counties in this category, only two were from Georgia, the other being Gwinnett that ranked fifth.

“Innovative counties are using technology and data to better serve their citizens, respond quickly to citizen needs around COVID-19, and support digital experience initiatives,” said Phil Bertolini, co-director of CDG in a news release.

In March, DeKalb County implemented a “socially distant service delivery” strategy amid COVID-19 to protect employees and ensure the delivery of essential services utilizing all its technology platforms.

“The DeKalb County Department of Innovation and Technology, under the dynamic leadership of Director John Matelski, are the unsung heroes in our fight against this terrible virus,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “Approximately 80 percent of our 5,500 employees can work remotely, ensuring continued service delivery to DeKalb’s residents and customers.”

According to DeKalb County, the county has enhanced its technology services in several ways over the past year, including:

· Enabling 4,700 of 5,500 county employees who have computers to work remotely

· Providing customers virtual access to county data and services

· Enhancing IT security to prevent cyber threats

“We are transforming the delivery of government services through innovative and cost-effective technology,” said Matelski, DeKalb County chief innovation and information officer.

The top 10 recognized counties with populations of 500,000 to 999,999 include:

1. County of Ventura, California 2. Prince George’s County, Maryland 3. Snohomish County, Washington and Westchester County, New York 4. DeKalb County, Georgia 5. Gwinnett County, Georgia 6. Baltimore County, Maryland 7. San Joaquin County, California 8. New Castle County, Delaware 9. County of San Mateo, California 10. County of Chester, Pennsylvania