Dutchess County Again Earns Top-Ten Ranking in the Nation for Technology Use

Poughkeepsie... Dutchess County is again in the nation’s top ten for the best technology practices. The 2025 Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), ranked Dutchess County 4th in the nation among mid-size county governments for efforts to enhance cybersecurity, streamline delivery of services and best practices for applying innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). This work is led by the County’s Office of Central and Information Services’ (OCIS).

County Executive Sue Serino said, “Congratulations to our OCIS team on again being recognized for their tireless work to help ensure County technology resources remain secure, efficient and innovative. They continue to find and implement smart, user-friendly and cost-saving technology solutions for County employees, residents, and businesses, helping ensure we maintain the trust of our residents.”

Dutchess County continues to prioritize improving service delivery, accessibility, and efficiency for residents and businesses through innovative technology solutions, for example:

• The Drinking Water Regulation Information Portal (DRIP), which streamlines the workflow involving the submission of documents from public water supply operators and improves communication between the County’s Dept. of Health (DCDOH) staff and the operators;
• The Electronic Health Permits application, which allows various permits regulated by DCDOH to be applied for online, and for staff to review the applications, correspond with applicants, and issue the permits;
• The Electronic Payments for Home Health Services application, which allows Office for the Aging home health services clients to make payments more efficiently;

OCIS Commissioner Stephen Oscarlece said, “Dutchess County OCIS continues to implement and update a wide array of technology services to be as secure, accessible and effective as possible. We are grateful for the continued recognition of our commitment and hard work.”

OCIS continues to focus on cybersecurity to ensure the security of County data as well as the continuity of operations. OCIS also works to help increase the preparedness and knowledge of local organizations and municipalities by partnering with Marist University to host its annual technology-focused summits. This year’s event, the Hudson Valley AI Summit, held in June, highlighted best practices for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into business practices and policies, how cybercriminals are using the technology, the ethical use of generative AI, and workforce development to better support other agencies exploring AI options.

“The National Association of Counties (NACo) is honored to support and highlight the outstanding efforts of counties across the nation in advancing digital government and enhancing constituent engagement,” said Rita Reynolds, CIO and Managing Director of Technology Programs, National Association of Counties. “By showcasing this innovative work, counties can learn from one another, adopt leading practices, and explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and generative AI.”