TAC Blog

Counties across Texas continue to find creative, practical ways to address challenges and improve services for their communities. This year, the Texas Association of Counties recognizes 11 such efforts from 10 counties through its 2026 County Best Practices Awards.

The biennial awards program recognizes effective county initiatives and achievements while giving counties an opportunity to share ideas and learn from one another.

“Counties are the government closest to the people. They are constitutionally created to provide essential services and do so in a transparent, fiscally responsible way,” TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford said. “This year’s award recipients show how counties are meeting their responsibilities with creativity and a strong commitment to their communities. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishments and share their ideas with counties across Texas.”

The 2026 awards recognize programs covering a wide range of county responsibilities, from jail maintenance and emergency response to workforce development and food access.

Here are this year’s award recipients:

Bell County: Preventative Jail Maintenance Plan
A proactive, team-based approach to jail maintenance and compliance.

Brazos County: DA in a Day
An interactive program giving residents an inside look at how cases are reviewed, charged and prosecuted.

Cameron County: South Texas Ecotourism Center
A community-driven model connecting conservation, education and sustainable tourism.

Comal County: Hire to Retire
A workforce strategy focused on recruitment, retention and employee engagement.

Denton County: Creation of a Countywide Fire Response System
A coordinated approach improving fire and EMS response efficiency.

Jim Hogg County: Children’s Afterschool Meal Program
An expanding meal program helping close gaps in food access for children and families.

Kendall County: Closing Daytime Emergency Response Gaps in a Rural Volunteer Fire System
A staffing model providing 24/7 station-based emergency response.

Refugio County: Horizon Refugio 2036
A countywide vision aligning infrastructure, economic development and historic preservation for long-term growth.

Travis County: AI-Enhanced Continuous Audit Process for Court-Appointed Attorney Payments
A data-driven system using advanced analytics to strengthen oversight of attorney payments and protect public funds.

Travis County: Professional Officer Wellness Reset
A confidential wellness program expanding access to mental health and other services for public safety professionals.

Wise County: Wise County Constable Central
A centralized model using shared resources and strategic staffing to improve court and law enforcement services.

Each recipient will be formally recognized at an upcoming commissioners court meeting.

TAC’s County Best Practices Awards are presented every two years. By highlighting successful county programs, TAC encourages counties to build on one another’s successes and find new ways to deliver effective services to residents.

Learn more about this year’s award recipients at county.org/bestpractices.