Cook County recognized for digitial initiatives

The Center for Digital Government has named Cook County one of the Top 10 Digital Counties among those with a population of 500,000 or more, the county announced Thursday.

The CDG's Digital Counties Survey provides an annual measure of performance and innovation by counties throughout the U.S. in using technology.

In this 14th annual edition, the survey looked for counties which align technologies with their governmental goals; save tax dollars through newfound efficiencies; boost transparency, cybersecurity and engagement; and innovate through unique and exciting projects.

In 2015, Cook County invested more than $150 million in innovation, modernizing aging software and infrastructure for offices throughout the county. Its "Big Four" technology projects - Integrated Justice, Integrated Revenue, Integrated Property and Enterprise Resource Planning - helped set Cook County apart from its peers.

"The Big Four projects represent an unprecedented leap forward for Cook County," county board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a news release. "These major projects, and many others under way throughout the county, are providing residents with a much more efficient, transparent and responsive government."