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:

Comprehensive Broadband Plan – $10 Million Capital Emergency Housing Solutions Grant Program

A Systems-Focused Approach to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care

Apiary Training Video

Beach & Bay Program DDPCR Testing

Bridging the Digital Divide to Promote Social Inclusion

Career Days: Information Sessions Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center

Community Care Coordination Straight to Home Program

Community Harm Reduction Team and Harm Reduction Interim Shelter

Community Health Worker Model: A Pathway to Equity

Compassionate Leadership Toolkit and Workshop – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center

Cooperative Grant for Removal of Trees Infested with Fusarium Fungus and ISHB

Crisis Stabilization Unit Services

Detector Dog Team Training Innovations

Developing the San Diego Native Landscape Program to Foster Environmental Stewardship

Email Encryption Training – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center

Emergency Operations Center Playbook

Experience the Outdoors Program

Green Streets Clean Water Plan

Guns for Gift Cards

HHSA New Supervisor Onboarding – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center

Homeless Pop-Up Resource Fairs

Housing and Disability Advocacy Program

Ildica County Park

Incorporating Equity into A Local Roadway Safety Plan

Integrated Pest Management Rodenticide Pilot

Justice-Involved Parents & Children Program

Let’s Get Out There: A Guide for Collective Climate Action Across Our Region

Live Well Through Self-Care Wellness Workshop Series – HHSA HR The Knowledge Center

Magnolia Safe Parking Program

Maintenance Gardener Community Needs Assessment

Meaningful Engagement through Regional Community Coordination

Mexican Fruit Fly Hold Notices

Mobile Crisis Response Team

No-Cost Senior Transportation Program

Optimal Care Pathways Model

Organic Materials Ordinance Update

Peer Reentry Leadership Academy

Plan Check Inquiry Form

Population Health Unit

POS Scanner App

Preventing Pet Overpopulation through Accessible Spay/Neuter

Southeastern Live Well Center Input Tours – Creating Space With Community

Subcontractor Disclosure

Supporting Staff in Changing Work Environment During the Pandemic & Beyond

Tech Connect

The Southeastern Live Well Center Project

Time Accounting Query

Transportation Study Guide

Youth-Led Town Halls

“What to Expect” Safety Courses for Refugees

County Annual Report – Connect With Us to Build a Better Future

Environmental Justice StoryMap for the San Diego Region

Equity in Communication: Translation, Language & Culture Connection Program