Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2024
Contact: Jody Seaborn, senior media relations strategist | (512) 478-8753 | jodys@county.org

Texas Association of Counties Announces Recipients of 2024 Best Practices Awards

Nine counties recognized for innovative solutions, successful efforts


AUSTIN — The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) has announced the recipients of its 2024 County Best Practices Awards. This biennial program celebrates counties that have developed innovative and effective approaches to addressing local government challenges.

The program aims to highlight counties that demonstrate exceptional achievement and delivery of services, while encouraging the adoption of these successful practices by other counties.

"Counties constantly tackle a wide array of challenges," TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford said. "We commend this year's award recipients for their dedication and success, and we hope their initiatives inspire other counties across Texas."

TAC’S 2024 County Best Practices Awards honor 12 programs from nine counties:

Denton County: Annual BEE (Best Employees Ever) Luncheon. A celebration of Denton County employees and the important work they do on behalf of county residents. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in popularity.

El Paso County: AI Self-Service Kiosks. These kiosks use artificial intelligence to enhance access to county services and deliver cost savings. They offer information, video chats, legal forms and payment processing.

El Paso County: Volunteer Program. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed more than 26,000 hours of service since October 2022, planting trees, helping with community cleanups and supporting vulnerable populations.

Guadalupe County: Citizens Elections Academy. This free, four-part educational program guides residents through the election process, from voter registration to counting ballots.

Harris County: Eviction Diversion Initiative. Funded by a National Center for State Courts grant, this program aims to prevent avoidable evictions and improve court processes. The project aims to expand from Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 and 2 to the entire county.

Harris County: Grow Towers Initiative. This Precinct 2 project uses Eden Grow Towers to cultivate fresh produce in food deserts and distribute it to residents at no cost.

Matagorda County: Youth Leadership Matagorda County. This program introduces high school students to county government and local institutions, providing hands-on learning experiences and resume-building and scholarship opportunities. The goal is to inspire students to contribute to the county's future.

McLennan County: Social & Streaming Media Recruitment Program. To address recruitment challenges, McLennan County launched a new marketing campaign in 2022 that included radio and social media, successfully filling 48 positions within four months.

Smith County: County Detention Officer Program. In partnership with Tyler Independent School District, this program recruits high school students to become certified jailers after graduation, reducing detention officer vacancies.

Travis County: Men As Allies. Led by Pct. 5 Constable Carlos B. Lopez, the Men As Allies program educates young people about healthy relationships and domestic violence prevention.

Williamson County: Wilco Human Resources Analytics Dashboard. Launched in March 2023, this user-friendly dashboard improves efficiency, supports recruitment, helps with budget requests and aids strategic planning.

Williamson County: Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program. This program offers in-jail treatment to restore defendants’ competency to stand trial, reducing wait times for state hospital beds. Of the program’s first 18 inmates, 12 were restored to competency within 60 days.

Each award recipient will be formally recognized at an upcoming Commissioners Court meeting. For more information, visit county.org/bestpractices.

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