Awards
2024 County Best Practices Award Recipients
Program Title: Annual BEE (Best Employees Ever) Luncheon
County: Denton County
Contact: Michelle Brewer, chief administrator, County Administration
Phone: (940) 349-4680
Description: Since May 2022, Denton County's Annual BEE Luncheon has celebrated county employees and the important work they do for county residents with a free lunch, a dessert competition, music, vendor giveaways and more. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in popularity among employees.
Program Title: AI Self-Service Kiosks
County: El Paso County
Contact: Lorena Rodriguez, chief aide, County Administration
Phone: (915) 546-2215
Description: In partnership with Advanced Robot Solutions, installed self-service kiosks that use artificial intelligence to enhance access to county services. The kiosks provide information, navigational assistance, video chat options, legal forms and payment processing. The program has significantly improved service delivery, cost savings and community impact.
Program Title: Volunteer Program
County: El Paso County
Contact: Lorena Rodriguez, chief aide, County Administration
Phone: (915) 546-2215
Description: he El Paso County Commissioners Court created the El Paso County Volunteer Program to increase community involvement and address service gaps. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed more than 26,000 service hours since the program began on Oct. 1, 2022, supporting tree planting, cleanup events and vulnerable populations.
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Program Title: Citizens Election Academy
County: Guadalupe County
Contact: Carmen Davila, public information officer
Phone: (830) 303-4188, Ext. 3304
Description: Launched in August 2023, the Guadalupe County Elections Office's Citizens Election Academy educates residents on the requirements and processes for holding efficient, secure and fair elections. The free academy covers different aspects of the election process, from voter registration to Election Day. A mock election gives participants hands-on experience.
Program Title: Eviction Diversion Initiative
County: Harris County
Contact: Dolores Lozano, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2
Phone: (713) 274-6100
Description: Funded by a National Center for State Courts grant, Harris County's Eviction Diversion Initiative was launched in 2023 to prevent avoidable evictions and improve court processes. Initially available only in Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 and 2, the county aims to expand the program countywide.
Program Title: Grow Towers Initiative
County: Harris County
Contact: Chris Saddler, executive director of operations, Precinct 2 Parks
Phone: (713) 274-2069
Description: Started in 2023 to address food accessibility, Harris County Precinct 2's Grow Tower Initiative uses Eden Grow Towers to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for residents in food deserts. Thus far the program grows and distributes, on average, 390 plants every 30 days at no cost to residents.
Program Title: Youth Leadership Matagorda County
County: Matagorda County
Contact: County Judge Bobby Seiferman
Phone: (979) 244-7605
Description: Youth Leadership Matagorda County introduces high school students to county government and key institutions through hands-on experiences and meetings with local, state and federal leaders. Launched in the 2023-24 school year, the program successfully provided its 16 participants with resume-building and scholarship opportunities. The program aims to inspire students to stay in Matagorda County to contribute to its growth and prosperity.
Program Title: Social & Streaming Media Recruitment Program
County: McLennan County
Contact: Regan Copeland, administrative specialist, County Judge's Office
Phone: (254) 757-5049
Description: To overcome recruitment challenges, McLennan County launched a new marketing campaign in 2022 that included radio and social media. The result: 48 positions filled within four months.
Program Title: Detention Officer Program
County: Smith County
Contact: Casey Murphy, communications director, Commissioners Court
Phone: (903) 590-4607
Description: Partnering with the Tyler Independent School District, Smith County's Basic County Corrections Course recruits high school students to become certified jailers after graduation. Approved by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for the 2023-24 school year, the program has notably reduced detention officer vacancies.
Program Title: Men As Allies (MAA)
County: Travis County
Contact: Sylvia Camarillo, Assistant to Pct. 5 Constable Carlos Lopez
Phone: (512) 854-9100
Description: Led by Travis County Pct. 5 Constable Carlos B. Lopez, the Men As Allies program educates young men and women about healthy relationships and domestic violence prevention through community initiatives and partnerships. The program also provides support to victims of domestic and teen dating violence.
Program Title: Wilco Human Resources Analytics Dashboard
County: Williamson County
Contact: Rebecca Clemons, senior director of Human Resources
Phone: (512) 943-1534
Description: Williamson County wanted to update the way it provides human resources-related data to county departments. The result is a new user-friendly HR analytics dashboard, launched in March 2023, that enhances efficiency, supports recruitment and retention efforts, assists with budget requests and aids in the strategic planning process.
Program Title: Jail-Based Competency Restoration
County: Williamson County
Contact: Kathleen Pokluda, Corrections Chief, Sheriff's Office
Phone: (512) 943-1350
Description: Launched in August 2023, Williamson County's Jail-Based Competency Restoration program offers in-jail treatment to restore defendants' competency to stand trial rather than wait months, if not years, for a bed at a state hospital facility to become available. The program has shown promising results, with 12 of 18 inmates restored to competency in 60 days or less.