The work of county government professionals impacts the lives of residents every day of the year, but these essential staff members and their departments are getting special recognition this month.
National County Government Month is celebrated each April with activities and engagement efforts. The National Association of Counties started the annual observance in 1991, encouraging counties to promote how they benefit and work for their residents.
Promotion is important, but this month is also a chance for local governments to boost civic engagement and raise awareness of services. The right activities and outreach campaigns can show residents what their county does for them.
Here are some tips on celebrating the 3.6 million people employed by counties this month.
Ways to Encourage Citizen Engagement
Many counties want to improve citizen engagement, increase transparency, and reach out to residents more. National County Government Month is the perfect chance to focus on these efforts and connect with the people you serve.
Consider hosting a workshop to inform residents how they can participate in public meetings or local decision-making. Community surveys or town hall meetings are also useful ways of getting citizen feedback and making them feel heard and respected.
Starting a conversation with residents can highlight how governments respond to local needs, whether addressing efforts to accelerate housing construction or improving access to public information.
The month can also be celebrated by sharing examples of the modern tools and processes county governments use to serve residents. Today’s software for local governments can make it easier for citizens to do many things, such as access public information about development or online building permitting services that simplify applications.
Demonstrate to citizens what the county is doing for them by teaching them new ways to access essential government services. High-tech platforms for community development have streamlined these processes, with more options than ever for online licensing, requests for property changes, and much more. April can be a great time to spread the word about convenient ways to apply for approvals when and where they need them.
How Counties Can Celebrate
There are many ways to spread the word about services from county governments, including open houses or community tours. Residents can meet those who lead and work for these important departments and learn more about their work.
Public awareness campaigns are an easy way of explaining how county governments work. Emails, social media posts, or newsletters can showcase examples of county services positively impacting residents or making a big difference in a community.
National County Government Month can also be a good time to tell residents how departments' day-to-day activities and responsibilities are changing. Daily digital tools your staff rely on, such as software for short-term rentals or mobile inspections, can be demonstrated for citizens.
Get Schools Involved with Contests and Projects
Community youth are the next generation of citizens and business owners, so it’s important to include them in National County Government Month as much as possible.
Younger students can have fun with drawing or essay contests about what counties do, while high schoolers could shadow government officials or learn more about different roles in the county.
Family-friendly community activities are another way to get kids and teens involved, such as clean-up days or other volunteer activities where government professionals and youth can work side by side.
Recognize Employees for Their Hard Work
Of course, the heart of National Community Government Month is the group of professionals who make it all possible. During April, internal awards programs or special appreciation days can reward these hard-working staff members and emphasize a commitment to citizen service.
Another option is to share the stories of these professionals with the public, such as publishing features or profiles of key staff members. It can be a quick way for residents to learn who is behind the vital services and programs their counties provide.
This recognition can make people feel more satisfied in their jobs, especially during reduced budgets and government staff shortages. A bonus? It can also promote a deeper appreciation from citizens for their essential work.
Digital Transformation That Supports County Governments
Today’s GovTech trends are about automating and streamlining work to improve customer experience and simplify processes. The right community development software and local government platforms can transform your county government — and help your staff and residents.
Book a demo with us to learn how Cloudpermit is helping county governments today.
