Barnstable County Recognized as a National Leader in Digital Government, Ranks No. 3 in 2026 Survey

Published on: August 10, 2026

 County honored for cybersecurity, innovation, and regional technology collaboration

BARNSTABLE, MA (August 7, 2026) — Barnstable County has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading digital governments, earning third place in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey among counties with populations between 150,000 and 249,999. The recognition highlights the County’s commitment to using technology to improve public services, strengthen cybersecurity, modernize government operations, and make it easier for residents to access information and services.

Conducted annually by the Center for Digital Government in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Digital Counties Survey evaluates counties across the country on strategic technology leadership, cybersecurity, digital services, innovation, workforce development, data management, and citizen engagement.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of the people behind the technology,” said Barnstable County Administrator Michael Dutton. “When our systems work well, residents can easily access the information and services they need, employees have the tools to do their jobs, and government simply works better. I’m proud of our Information Technology team and grateful to see their work recognized on a national level.”

Barnstable County’s Information Technology Department supports county operations through investments in cybersecurity, cloud services, digital infrastructure, accessibility, and modern technology solutions. Beyond serving county government, the department also provides contractual IT services, strategic planning, technical support, project collaboration, and cybersecurity support for the towns of Bourne, Chatham, Harwich, Truro, and Wellfleet—helping strengthen regional technology services across Cape Cod.

The County’s regional technology model has produced measurable operational and financial results. Over the past decade, the Information Technology Department has expanded its regional service partnerships while operating with fewer staff and a smaller budget. Regional-services revenue has grown more than sixfold and now offsets roughly one-third of departmental operating costs, while the department continues to support thousands of service requests and dozens of public meetings each year.

Since launching CapeCod.gov in 2022, Barnstable County has continued to strengthen its digital presence through ongoing improvements to cybersecurity, website accessibility, online services, and digital communications.  These efforts extend beyond the County website and include livestreamed public meetings, accessible online information, modern cloud services, improved cybersecurity protections, and digital tools that help employees and residents interact with County government more effectively.

The County also demonstrated its ability to respond to significant operational challenges. During a ransomware incident affecting a municipal partner, Barnstable County IT coordinated response and recovery efforts with municipal leadership, public safety officials, and state, federal, and private-sector partners. The response preserved critical services, accelerated the transition to cloud-based identity and device management, and strengthened the municipality’s long-term cybersecurity and resilience.

“Technology is always changing, and we’re always looking for practical ways to improve how government works,” said Bill Traverse, Director of Information Technology for Barnstable County. “That means protecting our systems, helping employees work more effectively, improving access to information, and sharing our expertise with communities across Cape Cod. This recognition belongs to our entire team and reflects the work they do every day to provide reliable, secure, and responsive services.”

The national survey found that counties continue to prioritize cybersecurity, responsible use of artificial intelligence, data governance, modernization, and digital services as they work to improve government operations and better serve residents.

Barnstable County’s third-place finish reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to innovation, regional collaboration, and delivering secure, accessible, and responsive public services for the people of Cape Cod.

For more information about Barnstable County programs, services, and initiatives, visit www.capecod.gov.

About Barnstable County Barnstable County provides regional services, programs, and leadership to the fifteen towns of Cape Cod. Through collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, the County delivers programs and services that protect public health, preserve natural resources, strengthen public safety, support municipalities, and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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