CSAC Announces 2021 Challenge Award Recipients
January 3, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenny Tan, Senior Manager of Public Affairs
& Member Services
Phone: (916) 327-7500 Ext. 530 | Email: jtan@counties.org
(Sacramento, CA) – The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 Challenge Awards, spotlighting the most innovative programs developed and implemented by California Counties.
In all, 52 awards will be given to 22 different counties, including three Innovation Awards, 21 Challenge Awards, and 28 Merit Awards. This year, CSAC received a record 433 entries from Counties, showcasing the amazing creative and collaborative solutions being utilized across topics, such as the pandemic, homelessness, voter access, technical assistance, organic waste, employee wellness, cannabis, and more.
The most prestigious Innovation Award is being presented to three Counties: Madera, Orange and Sonoma – for programs the judging panel deemed were the most innovative and effective out of all the entries received this year.
“These innovative programs showcase the tireless, ongoing, and ingenious work that Counties do to maintain and support essential programs and services in their communities,” said CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus. “Counties often do so much yet receive little fanfare. It is time to tell the County Story and honor those working behind and on the scene to improve all of our communities.”
The top overall recipients this year are: Los Angeles County, 10 awards; Riverside County, five awards; Nevada and San Diego Counties, four awards each; and San Bernardino and Ventura Counties with three. Out of the 52 awards, six rural Counties received 10 awards; nine suburban Counties received 13 awards; and seven urban Counties received 29 awards.
Entries were split into six issue areas: Administration of Justice; Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources; Disaster and Emergency Response/Management; Government, Finance, Administration and Technology; Health and Human Services; and Housing, Land Use and Infrastructure. Entries also had three population categories: urban; suburban; and rural. Selection criteria was based the statement of the challenge and solution; the innovation, resourcefulness and vision of the program; and the results showcasing how the program has enhanced the community or residents. To learn about all the award-winning programs, visit the 2021 Challenge Awards page.
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level. Connect with CSAC on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/CSAC_Counties and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CSACCounties.
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