Independent Survey Recognizes Website For Quality Service To Citizens Annapolis (July 1, 2005) - Anne Arundel County’s website (www.aacounty.org) is one of the ten best county websites in the country, according to the Center for Digital Government’s 2005 Digital Counties Survey. The County’s website placed 8th for Counties with populations of 500,000 or more. "This national award gives credit to our vision, hard work and dedication," said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens. "Our IT staff has a true passion for customer service and will continue to make Anne Arundel County as user-friendly and convenient as possible." "Being honored nationally spotlights our commitment to true online E-government services, payment and fulfillment to meet the agency and public demands," said Judy Coenen, Director of the Office of Information Technology. "We are constantly striving to improve our IT services for the citizens of our County." Under the direction of County Executive Owens, the Office of Information Technology was created in Fiscal Year 2003. The Anne Arundel County website went online in 1999. Prior to the County Executive first term, Anne Arundel County did not have a website. In April, all counties in the U.S. were invited to participate in the 2005 Digital Counties Survey. Officials responded to a set of 22 questions that included more than 95 measurements or data points. The survey grouped counties into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999; 150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000. A top-10 ranking was established for each category. The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. A division of e.Republic, publisher of Government Technology magazine, the Center’s services and online resources provide public- and private-sector leaders with decision support and knowledge to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. 2005 Digital Counties Survey - 500,000 or more population: | 
