Welcome to Skagit County
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July 18, 2003
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – Skagit County has scored a top ten ranking in the nation’s first Digital Counties Survey. Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt received the award on behalf of Skagit County staff at the Summer National Association of Counties (NaCO) Conference held last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “This strong showing reflects Skagit County’s expertise with information technology and dedication to take public services online,” said Dahlstedt. Hosted by the Center For Digital Government (CDG), in partnership with the National Association of Counties and Government Technology magazine, this debut survey grouped counties into four categories based on population. Skagit County competed in the 150,000 people or less category, placing fifth nationally. The Skagit County web site is designed around the citizens’ ease of access and not on county departmental structure, according to Mike Almvig, Skagit County Director of Information Services. “The site embodies our vision for digital government and is the center of county information and resources. We designed it around a services-forward approach that places the needs of our constituents first and foremost.” Survey questions were developed with input from local government experts. County officials responded to a set of 17 questions and rated their jurisdiction on a four point scale. The CDG used Web sites and county-supplied background data for verification and validation. “Moving public service to the internet, allows government to be more responsive to the needs of the public. This has the added benefit of increasing our efficiencies while reducing operational costs,” said Almvig. “We appreciate the talent and hard work of our Information Services department, and the staff from all Skagit County departments who have collaborated to meet this high standard,” said Dahlstedt. Skagit County was one of two counties in the Pacific Northwest to receive top ten ranking. For further information,
contact: Dan Berentson |