Westchester County continues to rank among the nation's leaders in digital government, earning second place in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government in partnership with the National Association of Counties.
The recognition comes one year after Westchester claimed the top spot among mid-sized counties in the 2025 survey.
The annual survey evaluates counties on strategic planning, cybersecurity, digital services, technology leadership, data governance, innovation and organizational performance.
Westchester ranked second among counties with populations between 500,000 and 999,999, finishing behind Prince William County, Virginia.
Continued national recognition for digital innovation
In a press
release, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the award reflects years of investment in technology and innovation across County government.
"Westchester County is proud to once again be recognized among the nation's digital leaders," Jenkins said. "This national recognition reflects our commitment to building a county government that is modern, secure and responsive to the people we serve. I am proud of our Department of Information Technology and every County employee whose work continues to move Westchester forward."
The County's Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has been credited with leading many of the initiatives that helped secure the national recognition, including strengthening cybersecurity, expanding digital services and improving data management across County government.
Chief Information Officer Marguerite Beirne also said in the news release that the award reflects the collaboration between departments throughout County government.
"This recognition is a testament to the outstanding collaboration across County government and the dedication of our [DoIT] team," Beirne said. "Innovation is most successful when it is paired with thoughtful governance, strong partnerships and a clear focus on improving public service."
Survey highlights technology leadership across U.S.
The Digital Counties Survey, now in its 24th year, recognizes counties that use technology to improve government efficiency while enhancing services for residents.
According to the Center for Digital Government, this year's highest-performing counties demonstrated how sustained investments in technology, responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and strong governance are helping build more resilient local governments.
Center for Digital Government Executive Director Rob Lloyd said leading counties are focusing on long-term strategies rather than individual technology projects.
"One of the clearest trends this year is that leading counties are moving beyond individual technology projects," Lloyd said. "Through responsible AI, stronger data practices and workforce investments, this year's winners are creating foundations that will help their organizations adapt and serve their communities better into the future."
This year's rankings placed Prince William County, Virginia, first, followed by Westchester County, Utah County, Utah, and a tie between Macomb County, Michigan, and Polk County, Florida.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester among nation's top 'digital' counties. Where it ranked
