Cobb receives national recognition as a Digitally Connected County

A national survey named Cobb County one of the nation's most digitally connected counties. The annual Digital Counties Survey ranked Cobb #5 in its population group, noting its efforts to use technology better to connect with our nearly 800,000 residents.

The survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized counties embracing innovative technologies, data governance, cybersecurity, and equity efforts for more responsive and effective government.

"Cobb County is honored to be recognized in the 2024 Digital Counties Survey," said Kimberly Lemley, Cobb's Chief Information Officer. "This award highlights our dedication to embracing innovative technologies, enhancing community engagement through online services, and strengthening our cybersecurity efforts. Our goal is to create a responsive and effective government, ensuring that our online services are efficient, resilient, secure, and truly serve the needs of our residents."

Lemley and Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid accepted the award for their ranking at the NACo Conference in Tampa, Florida on July 12, 2024.

The rankings recognized Cobb's improvements in critical areas that make information and services more accessible to residents. Some of these include:

• Using new tools to enhance social media engagement with residents
• Revamping our 911 recruiting website to create a visually appealing and engaging website to help attract top talent by showcasing the department's culture, values, and opportunities in an impactful way.
• The county retired a 30-year-old data center in favor of a new facility. The facility includes improved technology, enhanced security, data safety, and increased storage.
• Continued implementation of a standard online payment processor to allow residents to pay water bills, purchase bus passes, and pay administration mediation fees from their computers or mobile devices with a consistent user experience.
• The county reworked Connect Cobb, where residents can share footage from their home video security systems with the Cobb County Police Department via this Citizen Camera Registry program. This voluntary program allows law enforcement to request footage from residents when a crime occurs in the area.

"The Digital Counties Survey illustrates how counties are on the cutting-edge, pursuing innovative approaches to serve our residents," said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. "Counties are thoughtfully adopting technologies like artificial intelligence and data platforms to enhance civic engagement, increase efficiency, and strengthen our communities today and for the future."