The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever the important role local governments play in the health and safety of their communities. Now, Maricopa County—the nation’s fastest-growing and 4th largest county—is getting new recognition for its efforts to serve residents over the past year.
Maricopa County received 32 National Achievement Awards this year from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for programs that have a measurable positive impact on the community. NACo says these are programs worth sharing and emulating nationwide.
“Our professional staff has proven time and again that they put residents first,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman. “The fine programs highlighted this year by the National Association of Counties are well-deserving. I also know that they represent just a fraction of the hard work, exceptional service, and innovative ideas that took place over the past year across Maricopa County departments, elected offices, and the judicial branch.”
This year’s award winners include programs addressing areas of community concern such as air quality, early education, homelessness, mental illness, and opioid addiction. While this year’s awards do not address the county’s response to the COVID-19 emergency, Maricopa County did receive an award for its effective response to another infectious disease: Hepatitis A.
See a list of all of the NACO Achievement Award winners here.