Maricopa County a Top Winner in National Awards Program

For immediate Release  

To make it easier on readers, the Maricopa County Library District has scrapped the traditional Dewey Decimal System and started organizing their books by subject matter – the way they do it in bookstores. The Perry Branch Library in Gilbert is believed to be the first library in the nation to open without using the Dewey system.

The county’s Green Government Initiative has identified 124 specific actions and policies to pursue to improve air and water quality, reduce energy use, increase recycling and promote an environmental ethic among county employees and residents.

To increase awareness of ethical and internal controls, the county’s Internal Audit Department produced four training videos for county employees. The videos use drama, humor and music to highlight the need for following ethical guidelines and sound business practices.

These are three of the 23 Maricopa County government programs, projects and initiatives that have been honored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). Maricopa County employees captured Annual Achievement Awards for their efforts to fight the abuse of prescription drugs, a program to enlisting citizens to help identify historical aerial photographs and a web broadcasting program enabling the media and the public to view court events.  

Among the agencies honored were the Superior Court's media relations and community outreach division, Developmental Services, Business Enterprise (McBiz), Transportation, Workforce Development and Management, the South Phoenix Healthy Start team, the County Flood Control District and the County Attorney’s office. The Internal Audit entry was awarded “Best in Category” classification.  

“These people and these projects are a source of pride to the Board of Supervisors, county management and the citizens of our county,” commented Max W. Wilson, chairman of the board. “These programs will set standards for other governments and other counties to emulate.”  

The Northwest Regional Library in Surprise was cited for its efforts to present programs to increase awareness of the Holocaust, especially among teenagers.

With 22 awards, Maricopa County trailed only Los Angeles, San Diego and Henrico (VA.) counties in the number of honored projects. A record 498 county programs in 21 categories from 30 states and 123 counties were recognized by NACo.

“I have been attending NACo awards ceremonies for years, but I cannot remember a year when we received 23 awards,” said Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. “It says a great deal about the quality of Maricopa County agencies and employees.”

A more detailed description of the award-winning programs and the individual winners is attached.