Challenge: “A test of one’s abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.”  

That definition sums up what California’s 58 counties face each day – providing vital services to 38 million Californians in a constantly changing and challenging socioeconomic and political environment. 

Each year since the mid-1990s, CSAC has set out to honor the innovative, successful and cost-effective work undertaken by our counties. We do so through our annual Challenge Awards program. Deciding which programs should be recognized is not an easy task. This year, we received more than 220 entries. A panel of 16 independent judges closely affiliated with California counties evaluated the entries, met in person to discuss — and sometimes debate them — in order to decide the final award-recipients. 

After much deliberation, CSAC is honoring 18 counties. Our Challenge Awards are being presented in three tiers: the California Counties Innovation Awards, Challenge Awards and Merit Awards. The Innovation Awards are being presented to two programs that judges believed were the “best of the best.” This year, these awards are going to Glenn and San Bernardino, both for public safety programs tied to the AB 109 realignment. 

For a complete list of the award recipients, click here. 

We congratulate all of the recipients for their amazing work, as well as all counties that submitted entries and continue to create new and innovative ways to serve their residents. CSAC staff will be making in-person presentations at Boards of Supervisors meetings in the counties that received Innovation and Challenge Awards. These programs will also be the focus of a series of videos that CSAC will produce for next year’s National County Government Month. 

Once again, California counties have proven they are up for the challenge.