TLDR: San Diego County has secured third place in the prestigious 2025 Digital Counties awards, recognized for its innovative use of artificial intelligence and comprehensive modernization efforts. The county’s initiatives span enhanced public access, digital equity, public safety, and internal operational efficiencies, serving its over 3.3 million residents through advanced technological solutions.
San Diego County has been awarded third place in the largest population category (counties with over 1 million residents) in the highly anticipated 2025 Digital Counties awards program. This recognition, bestowed by the Center for Digital Government, highlights the county’s significant strides in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and modernizing its digital infrastructure to better serve its diverse population of more than 3.3 million residents across a unique geographical landscape.
The county’s technological advancements are multifaceted, focusing on several key areas. A primary emphasis has been placed on enhancing public access and digital equity. The county website has undergone rigorous manual and automated accessibility testing to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA. AI plays a crucial role in this, assisting in rewriting website content to expedite work for subject matter experts and training authors through a dedicated Web Content Basics class. For residents, the website now offers a multilingual public health system with updated vaccination appointment options, modern child support appointment management, online child abuse reporting, and improved veteran housing data.
In the realm of public safety, San Diego County has implemented several critical enhancements. These include a new application for Sheriff’s Office hiring, real-time monitoring for juvenile detention facilities, and electronic discovery tools for public defenders. Furthermore, the county is utilizing AI-powered wildfire detection cameras, precise evacuation zones built on Genasys EVAC, and upgraded safety notifications to respond effectively across varied terrains and infrastructure.
Internally, San Diego County is fostering a culture of responsible AI adoption. A dedicated board-level AI committee oversees initiatives, and a Microsoft Copilot pilot program involves over 200 employees, testing AI’s capabilities responsibly. The county’s IT Academy and web content training programs reach hundreds of staff members annually, equipping them with the skills necessary to keep residents connected and services efficient.
Addressing digital equity and broadband access, the county is actively expanding internet access to more than 1,000 remote households. Outdated copper lines are being replaced with Starlink satellite internet for remote fire stations and parks, ensuring critical connectivity in underserved areas.
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John Matelski, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government, commended the award recipients, stating, “This year’s Digital Counties Survey winners exemplify a strong commitment to innovation, excellence in digital government, and public service. Their achievements set a national benchmark and serve as an inspiration to counties across the country working to modernize and improve the delivery of government services.” San Diego County was one of seven California counties to receive recognition in this year’s awards, underscoring its position as a leader in government technology innovation.
