Programs
2024 County Best Practices Awards Recipients
Every two years, TAC recognizes county leaders' efforts to create efficient and effective solutions to challenges facing county governments. These solutions include innovative programs, increased delivery of services and superior achievements in all areas of county operations.
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.
Contact: Michelle Brewer, chief administrator, County Administration
Phone: (940) 349-4680
El Paso County, 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.
Contact: Lorena Rodriguez, chief aide, County Administration
Phone: (915) 546-2215
The 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.
Additional information: Watch video.
Contact: Lorena Rodriguez, chief aide, County Administration
Phone: (915) 546-2215
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.
Contact: Carmen Davila, public information officer
Phone: (830) 303-4188, Ext. 3304
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.
Contact: Dolores Lozano, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2
Phone: (713) 274-6100
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.
Contact: Chris Saddler, executive director of operations, Precinct 2 Parks
Phone: (713) 274-2069
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.
Contact: County Judge Bobby Seiferman
Phone: (979) 244-7605
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.
Contact: Regan Copeland, administrative specialist, County Judge's Office
Phone: (254) 757-5049
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.
Contact: Casey Murphy, communications director, Commissioners Court
Phone: (903) 590-4607
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.
Contact: Sylvia Camarillo, Assistant to Pct. 5 Constable Carlos Lopez
Phone: (512) 854-9100
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.
Contact: Rebecca Clemons, senior director of Human Resources
Phone: (512) 943-1534
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.
Contact: Kathleen Pokluda, Corrections Chief, Sheriff's Office
Phone: (512) 943-1350
Learn More About the County Best Practices Program
Every two years, TAC recognizes county leaders' efforts to create new, efficient and effective solutions to challenges facing local governments.
