Printer
TextFairfax County Wins Seven NACo Achievement Awards
June 14, 2012
Highlights
- Fairfax County received seven National Association of Counties (NACo) 2012 Achievement Awards, including one Best in Category, recognizing effective and innovative programs that contribute to and enhance county government in the U.S.
- Stormwater Management, Department of Public Works and Environment Services, wins Best in Category.
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Awards went to the Department of Code Compliance; Department of
Housing and Community Development; Library; Animal Shelter; Office
of Public Affairs; and the Office of Public, Private
Partnerships.
Stormy the Raindrop
Best in Category
Stormwater
Management, Department of Public Works and Environmental
Services
Lessons of aquatic health, environmental protection and
personal responsibility are well received by young and old alike when
delivered by the cheerful cartoon character “Stormy the Raindrop.”
The public education campaign encourages children to appreciate and
take better care of their environment, and to pass on this desire to
their peers and parents. The campaign includes two Stormy-themed
activity books, puppet shows and numerous appearances at county
events and venues.
Creation of the Department of Code Compliance
Department of Code
Compliance
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC), a consolidation of multiple
code enforcement functions into a new agency, began operations on
July 1, 2010. It responds with multiple and coordinated efforts to
complaints and code violations in a ‘one-stop shop’ approach, in
addition to community outreach and education.
PROGRESS Center
Department of Housing
and Community Development
A multi-faceted approach that seeks to end the cycle of poverty
starts at the Housing PROGRESS Center where those in housing programs
are given job and employment training and counseling, financial
planning resources and human service assistance if
needed.
Embracing E-Books
Library
With the explosion of Kindles, Nooks, iPads and other mobile reading
devices, the Library developed a comprehensive digital media strategy
that integrates e-books, e-audiobooks and e-video into every aspect
of library service, from staff training and customer workshops to
marketing and seeking non-governmental funding to expand the
collection.
Feral Cats: Traps, Neuter and Return Program
Police
Department: Animal Shelter
Using an “army of trappers,” the Animal Shelter introduced a humane,
cost-effective program to control feral cats. Box traps are provided
to volunteer residents and the collected felines are neutered and
given a rabies vaccination. When they are returned to their original
outdoor colonies, with marks on their ears, they help create
“kitten-free” and “rabies-buffer” zones.
Communications Toolkit
Office of Public
Affairs
The new Communications Toolkit ensures a common look and message in
all county communications through a user-friendly Web portal that
offers quick access to county guidelines. Developed by a
committee of information officers and based on input from county
staff, it can evolve with the county’s communications
needs.
V-16: Volunteer Leave Initiative
Office of
Public, Private Partnerships
Volunteer activity leave is a unique employee benefit that provides
up to 16 hours per year for each county employee to give back to the
community. This innovative program not only is added value to the
employees, but also increases the capacity for enhancing their
overall sense of engagement, contributes to the local and regional
community and gives the county a competitive recruitment
advantage.
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Stormy the Raindrop
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