The Public Technology Institute (PTI) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation have recognized Montgomery County as a leader in the innovative application of Web 2.0 technologies and civic/social media tools to achieve impressive results in citizen engagement, government accountability and operational efficiencies. Montgomery County is one of only 17 U.S. jurisdictions, and one of just four counties, to be recognized with this prestigious award.

The County’s winning entry noted the use of several Web 2.0 and social media tools and platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Alert Montgomery and MC311, which is the County’s on-line and telephone information system.

“We are pleased that Montgomery County has been recognized as a leader in the use of web solutions to promote the excellent work being done and shared through the power of the Internet," said E. Steven Emanuel, Chief Information Officer for Montgomery County. "County leaders recognized the significant growth of the “connected audience” and supported technology innovation efforts that ensured improved communications to the mobile community. The County embraces these innovations, develops policy guidance for use and takes a proactive governance role to ensure that these creative and robust solutions maximize the County’s ability to provide timely and accurate information."

Following almost a year of research, PTI developed selection criteria for specific tools, goals, participation rates, system integration, standards and policies, interoperability, data access and sharing, channel coordination and performance metrics. Used effectively, Web 2.0 and civic/social media encourage residents to take a more active role in local and state government. They provide a platform to streamline government communications and services through knowledge bases, access to networked resources, real-time data communications and reporting, wireless access, multi-media delivery, integrated self-service options, location-based services and cross-agency information sharing.

“Web 2.0 implementation is not just a series of single initiatives; rather, it is becoming a strategic and inherent way for government to do business,” said Alan Shark, Executive Director of PTI. “Innovative and leading organizations like Montgomery County that adopt and leverage Web 2.0 tools will ultimately deliver more effective services to their citizens.

Additional information about the award may be found on-line at http://www.pti.org/index.php/ptiee1/more/723 .

In 2010, Montgomery County was named America’s top digital county government by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Montgomery County received first place honors in the competition for jurisdictions with populations of 500,000 or greater.

PTI is a national technology organization created by and for cities and counties. The organization promotes innovation and collaboration for government leaders, and advances the use of technology to improve the management and delivery of services to residents.