Maricopa County received the Enterprise Approach to GIS Award at the 2026 Esri Public Sector CIO Summit, according to a March 31 announcement. The county was recognized for its use of data and digital maps to improve government operations.
The recognition highlights how Maricopa County is leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to make large amounts of data more accessible and useful for both residents and employees. This approach aims to enhance public understanding of local government activities and improve service delivery.
“Our county has so much data. What GIS allows us to do is help make that data consumable,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3. “Done right, digital maps give residents a better understanding of what’s happening in their community and our employees a better understanding of how to enhance service to residents.”
The county’s Enterprise Technology and Innovation department leads this initiative by using GIS technology to analyze and display information on multi-layered maps. These tools enable departments to identify patterns that can inform policy decisions or optimize services. Examples include interactive maps that help residents find voting districts, learn about zoning designations, search for lost pets, determine flood plain status, document invasive species in parks, or check if their neighborhood is being treated for mosquito activity.
Chief Information Officer Richard McHattie said: “What we’re doing with GIS is creating a more open and responsive government.” He continued: “Kacie Baker, our Geographic Information Officer, along with her talented team, positioned GIS as a key driver of innovation for Maricopa County. Their ingenuity and leadership are transforming how we use data to deliver smarter, more responsive services for our residents.”
While the county advances its technological initiatives in areas like GIS mapping, education outcomes remain an area facing challenges. In Maricopa County during the 2022-23 school year, 62.9% of students in grades three through eight did not pass the mathematics section of the AASA assessment according to the Arizona Department of Education. Similarly high schoolers saw a failure rate of 65% on the mathematics section of the ACT according to state education officials. For English assessments during that period, 57.2% of third through eighth graders failed on AASA according to state sources, while high schoolers had a failure rate of 57% on ACT English as reported by state authorities.
Recent results from the following academic year show some improvement: Maricopa County saw 33.9% percent passing rates among high schoolers on ACT mathematics according to education reports, while third through eighth graders achieved a pass rate of 36% on AASA mathematics based on state statistics.
The broader adoption and recognition of advanced mapping technologies may support ongoing efforts toward improved public engagement across sectors such as education.
