Westchester County Rises to #1 in U.S. for Digital Innovation!

Westchester County, NY, USA - Westchester County, New York, has captured the spotlight as the top digital county in the United States for mid-sized counties, according to the 2025 Digital Counties Survey Awards. This prestigious accolade is a nod to the county’s commitment to digital innovation and enhancing public services through technology. The recognition was announced on July 11, 2025, during an awards dinner in Philadelphia, part of a long-standing tradition by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties, as lohud reports.

County Executive Ken Jenkins expressed immense pride in this recognition, emphasizing how it reflects Westchester’s dedication to not just adopting new technologies but also ensuring that these innovations remain accessible to all residents. The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has played a crucial role in achieving this milestone, showcasing how effective collaboration can drive remarkable results. Westchester secured its top position against a competitive backdrop that included Snohomish County, Washington; Washoe County, Nevada; and Polk County, Florida.

Commitment to Ethical Innovation

The award is not merely a trophy; it represents Westchester’s proactive stance on ethical innovation. Legislative Chair Vedat Gashi highlighted that this recognition prioritizes residents and emphasizes the importance of developing digital services that are both smart and secure. The county’s recent legislation, which includes a bill banning the malicious use of deep fakes and AI-generated content, illustrates concerted efforts to protect citizens against potential cyber threats.

Marguerite Beirne, the Chief Information Officer of DoIT, contributed to this achievement by stressing the need for government-wide support to foster a culture of digital transformation. Legislator Judah Holstein echoed this sentiment, declaring that the ranking mirrors Westchester’s commitment to innovation that truly focuses on residents‘ needs.

Trends in Digital Governance

Westchester’s victory is not an isolated case but part of a larger trend observed across the nation. According to the Center for Digital Government, which details the survey’s findings, counties are increasingly leveraging technology to improve public services while also tackling challenges related to cybersecurity and operational modernization. The survey, in its 23rd year, emphasizes the evaluation of counties based on how well they align IT innovations with strategic priorities and real-world impacts.

• Over 1,000,000: Alameda County, California (Notable for AI-driven efficiency)
• 500,000 – 999,999: Westchester County, New York (Achieved $150,000 in cost savings)
• 250,000 – 499,999: Chesterfield County, Virginia (Launched INNOVATE Community of Practice)
• 150,000 – 249,999: Cabarrus County, North Carolina (Developed Early Voting Wait Times app)
• Up to 150,000: York County, Virginia (Digitized over 1 million records)

Cybersecurity remains the top priority for counties, marking the 12th consecutive year it has held that position. Meanwhile, the pressing adoption of artificial intelligence emerges as a second priority, with many counties transitioning from pilot programs to real-world applications.

AI in Public Service

Despite the excitement surrounding AI and generative AI’s potential benefits, counties face unique challenges associated with these technologies. As outlined by StateTech Magazine, considerations include crafting transparent policies, managing ethical concerns, and preparing for workforce impacts. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has taken steps in this area, releasing the AI County Compass to assist counties in responsible AI integration.

Overall, Westchester’s achievement is a sign that innovative approaches to public governance are more than just a trend—they are a necessity. With ongoing discussions about responsible technology use, the stage is set for counties across the nation to follow in Westchester’s footsteps, moving towards a future where innovation serves the community effectively and ethically.