In this year's Digital Counties awards program, the Center for Digital Government* named Sonoma County its fifth-place winner for the 250,000 to 499,999 population category.
It was one of seven California counties recognized in the awards.
Sonoma County secured a fifth-place spot in this year’s Digital Counties Survey for its measured but innovative approach to IT implementation. The Information Systems Department, led by Director Dan Fruchey, focuses on deploying technologies that address real-world needs and streamline operations, while also being responsible with county funds. These sorts of projects include things like the replacement of a 40-plus-year-old justice system, replacement of a legacy phone data center dating back to 1965, and an independent analysis of public record processes and systems.
In 2024, the county also completed its Property GIS Hub project, which includes assessment values, tax rolls, aerial images and the ability to pay property tax bills online. The county’s commitment to citizen access is further showcased in efforts to boost digital accessibility across its 26 websites. The sites all comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA standards.
When it comes to machine learning and AI, the department is integrating the technology into its Enterprise Justice Exchange and Hub to link data and identify sources, as well as to sort through variations in data entries. The undertaking is improving accuracy and efficiency. The county has also developed a new policy and risk framework for the adoption of new AI tools within the departments. GIS tools — bolstered with data from local state and other county agencies — are helping the county to identify on-site wastewater treatment systems for an improved understanding of not only their locations but of potential negative impacts, like pollution.
*The Center for Digital Government is a sister organization to Industry Insider — California. Both are part of e.Republic.
Digital Counties 2025: Sonoma County Earns Recognition for IT Efficiency, Citizen Access
The county was given a fifth-place award in this year's Digital Counties program.
