Chesterfield Recognized as Top Digital County Nationwide

TL;DR: Chesterfield County ranked No. 2 among mid-sized U.S. counties in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey for its technology-driven government modernization.

The story

Chesterfield County has been recognized as the No. 2 "Digital County" among U.S. counties with populations between 250,000 and 499,999 in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey, announced on July 20, 2026. The annual survey, administered by the Center for Digital Government in partnership with the National Association of Counties, now in its 24th year, evaluates counties on their use of technology to improve government operations, strengthen public services, and deliver results for residents. The survey assesses counties across strategic planning, cybersecurity, digital services, organizational technology leadership, data management, and innovation.

Among Chesterfield's highlighted achievements for 2026 are the implementation of a cloud-based ERP system using Workday, which modernizes business processes under the county's "Plan-Build-Run-Protect" IT model emphasizing efficiency, agility, and fiscal discipline. The county also upgraded its Public Safety Technology System, including the Analytic and Strategic Operations Center for data-driven policing, and created department-specific data programs such as dashboards for social services and inventory tracking for utility teams. Additionally, strengthened library outreach programs increased library card enrollment and checkouts in underserved communities.

Chesterfield has maintained a consistent presence among the nation's top digital counties. The county has held a top 10 ranking for 16 consecutive years, including 10 years in the top 5 of its population category. The 2025 survey ranked Chesterfield at No. 1, when it also earned recognition for introducing an AI-powered website search function and offering video sign language interpretation through its Emergency Communications Center.

All 2026 honorees will be recognized during the Digital Counties Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the NACo Annual Conference in New Orleans, bringing together county technology leaders and public-sector innovators from across the country.

Key players

• Center for Digital Government (CDG): Administrator of the Digital Counties Survey
• National Association of Counties (NACo): Partner in the Digital Counties Survey and host of awards dinner
• Chesterfield County: Recipient of No. 2 ranking in mid-sized county category

Key dates

• 2026-07-20: 2026 Digital Counties Survey results announced; Chesterfield ranked No. 2
• 2026 (Summer): Digital Counties Awards Dinner at NACo Annual Conference in New Orleans

Why it matters: The recognition validates Chesterfield's continued investment in modernizing government services and demonstrates how digital infrastructure can improve county operations and accessibility for residents. The ranking places Chesterfield among the nation's most innovative mid-sized counties in leveraging technology for public benefit.

Related links

• Chesterfield County CivicAlerts announcement
• GovTech: 2026 Digital Counties Survey 250,000-499,999 Population Category
• National Association of Counties

Read the original at Chesterfield County News →

Sources

• Chesterfield County CivicAlerts: Chesterfield Recognized as Top Digital County Nationwide
• GovTech: 2026 Digital Counties Survey 250,000-499,999 Population Category
• GovTech: 2025 Digital Counties Survey 250,000-499,999 Population Category
• GovTech: Winners Announced 2026 Digital Counties Survey