July 17, 2011--- The results of this year's evaluation of America's top digital counties are in, and Westchester County is once again in the top 10.

The annual study by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo) recognizes Westchester's "exemplary digital service" to its residents.

Westchester County tied for eighth place in the digital county survey that identifies best practices and recognizes those counties that are aligning technology to support strategic priorities. This is the seventh year in a row that Westchester County has placed in the top 10 for counties with a population of 500,000 or more.

"It speaks volumes about our accomplishments that Westchester is being held up as a national example," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "It is especially important during these tough economic times that we are using innovative technologies to reduce county costs and to enhance service delivery."

Thousands of U.S. counties participated in the 2011 Digital Counties Survey, which evaluated responses on more than 100 measurements.

The county's Department of Information Technology, headed by CIO Marguerite Beirne, continually works to develop progressive solutions that help increase productivity and efficiency, while providing necessary public services.

"Information technology, though often unseen by the public, plays a critical role in consolidating and sharing services to cut down on costs in government," said Beirne. "The Department of Information Technology will continue to leverage technology to capture critical savings and improve service delivery both within county government and to Westchester residents."

The Center found that America's counties are continuing to meet the challenge of providing effective and affordable government as evidenced by their accomplishments and future plans for public safety, social and health services, natural resource management, economic development and administrative efficiencies.

For the full list of winners and more information, visit http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/