At the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference in Cambridge, Maryland on December 6, SPP Associate Professor and IPL Director John Ronquillo presented the County Innovation Awards to Frederick County (Rural) and Baltimore City (Urban) for their outstanding programs improving the quality of life and service delivery for residents. The County Innovation Award was established to recognize leading county programs that improve the overall quality of life and service delivery for a county’s residents. The County Innovation Award is issued to one urban and one rural county annually.
Frederick County's 9-1-1 center received recognition for its program, Convey 9-1-1, which offers language interpretation for over 170 languages and dialects. This program ensures precise location tracking of mobile devices that contact 9-1-1 and enhances the efficiency and inclusivity of emergency services during crises. Baltimore City's Urban Behavioral Health 911 Diversion program diverts specific mental health-related 911 calls from law enforcement to experienced professionals through the 988 helpline. This program was launched in June of 2021 and reduces unnecessary police encounters during behavioral health crises.
Ronquillo additionally presented the 2023 Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award to Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, recognizing his public service contributions. County Executive of Howard County Calvin Ball and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski were among the conference attendees, highlighting the shared commitment to innovative public service initiatives among Maryland’s counties.
