The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented change to special districts throughout the country. Recognizing this impact, the Special Districts Program – an AT&T program with Government Technology – quickly pivoted to help these unique government entities navigate uncertainty.

Our previously in-person Special District Summits shifted to a virtual format and content was refocused to address COVID-driven changes in internal operations, service delivery and leadership strategies. We added new webcasts to tackle specific issues such as securely supporting remote workforces and using federal CARES Act funds to modernize technology systems. And through monthly virtual advisory board meetings, we held a running conversation with special district leaders to understand how their challenges were evolving, which guided the program’s content efforts.

These activities tracked the crisis as it unfolded, exposing common challenges and revealing innovative solutions. As an initiative designed by special districts for special districts, the program quickly remade itself to meet the needs of this moment.

This annual publication documents key learnings from throughout 2020, and contains insights, best practices and innovative ideas gleaned from a year like no other. Collectively, it shows how special districts rose to the occasion and coped with unprecedented disruption. It also offers a roadmap for future resiliency and success.

We hope you enjoy the publication and consider joining us as we continue the journey in 2021. To learn more about the Special Districts Program, please visit:

www.govtech.com/districts

You can download a complimentary PDF of the publication here.

Sincerely,

Dustin Haisler
Chief Innovation Officer
Government Technology