Government

County Receives National Recognition for 54 Programs

2 girls playing at Ildica Park
Ildica Park is among the 54 County programs that won a NACo Award.
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The County of San Diego won 54 Achievement Awards this year for standout programs from the National Association of Counties, which recognizes excellence in county government.

The County won awards in 15 categories including county resiliency, human services, information technology, health, community and economic development, criminal justice and public safety, children and youth, risk and emergency management, and civic education and public information.

“I am proud of our county employees that show up every day to meet the needs of our communities. This is a well-deserved recognition of the work we are doing and the high standard we strive for in delivering services and resources in San Diego County.” Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas said. “I am especially proud that many of the programs recognized reflect our commitment to transformational work that puts equity and inclusivity at the forefront. I see you and celebrate you! ¡Enhorabuena!”

Featured below are just providing a small sample of how the County is responding to emerging issues and priorities.

The County’s yearly online report highlights the County’s accomplishments and goals to deliver essential services, and use funds responsibly for health and social services, public safety and land use.  The interactive, engaging and accessible report, produced by the County Communications Office, invited the public to “Connect With Us to Build a Better Future” and focused priority projects that the public can help shape and influence through community engagement.

A new policy developed by the Health and Human Services Agency requiring daily document translation services and culturally responsive communications was expanded to include all departments and is helping the County reach people who did not previously have access to information.

A new tool developed by the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice called StoryMap allows people to go online and express the environmental health concerns they see in neighborhoods. This information is layered with socioeconomic data such as race and income using mapping tools. This combined information better guides planning, advocacy and education in communities.

In support of San Diego’s diverse region and new arrivals, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department collaborated with the International Rescue Committee, a resettlement agency, to create and provide “What to Expect” monthly public presentations for refugee newcomers in their native languages. The presentations are focused on basic public safety education and creating an environment of inclusivity for newcomers.

The full list of programs that won 2023 Achievement Awards is below:

  1. Comprehensive Broadband Plan
  2. $10 Million Capital Emergency Housing Solutions Grant Program
  3. A Systems-Focused Approach to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care
  4. Apiary Training Video
  5. Beach & Bay Program DDPCR Testing
  6. Bridging the Digital Divide to Promote Social Inclusion
  7. Career Days: Information Sessions Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
  8. Community Care Coordination Straight to Home Program
  9. Community Harm Reduction Team and Harm Reduction Interim Shelter
  10. Community Health Worker Model: A Pathway to Equity
  11. Compassionate Leadership Toolkit and Workshop – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
  12. Cooperative Grant for Removal of Trees Infested with Fusarium Fungus and ISHB
  13. Crisis Stabilization Unit Services
  14. Detector Dog Team Training Innovations
  15. Developing the San Diego Native Landscape Program to Foster Environmental Stewardship
  16. Email Encryption Training – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
  17. Emergency Operations Center Playbook
  18. Experience the Outdoors Program
  19. Green Streets Clean Water Plan
  20. Guns for Gift Cards
  21. HHSA New Supervisor Onboarding – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
  22. Homeless Pop-Up Resource Fairs
  23. Housing and Disability Advocacy Program
  24. Ildica County Park
  25. Incorporating Equity into A Local Roadway Safety Plan
  26. Integrated Pest Management Rodenticide Pilot
  27. Justice-Involved Parents & Children Program
  28. Let’s Get Out There: A Guide for Collective Climate Action Across Our Region
  29. Live Well Through Self-Care Wellness Workshop Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center
  30. Magnolia Safe Parking Program
  31. Maintenance Gardener Community Needs Assessment
  32. Meaningful Engagement through Regional Community Coordination
  33. Mexican Fruit Fly Hold Notices
  34. Mobile Crisis Response Team
  35. No-Cost Senior Transportation Program
  36. Optimal Care Pathways Model
  37. Organic Materials Ordinance Update
  38. Peer Reentry Leadership Academy
  39. Plan Check Inquiry Form
  40. Population Health Unit
  41. POS Scanner App
  42. Preventing Pet Overpopulation through Accessible Spay/Neuter
  43. Southeastern Live Well Center Input Tours – Creating Space With Community
  44. Subcontractor Disclosure
  45. Supporting Staff in Changing Work Environment During the Pandemic & Beyond
  46. Tech Connect
  47. The Southeastern Live Well Center Project
  48. Time Accounting Query
  49. Transportation Study Guide
  50. Youth-Led Town Halls
  51. “What to Expect” Safety Courses for Refugees
  52. County Annual Report – Connect With Us to Build a Better Future
  53. Environmental Justice StoryMap for the San Diego Region
  54. Equity in Communication: Translation, Language & Culture Connection Program
Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact