Prince William County Earns Two Commonwealth Technology Awards for Innovative Digital Services

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency, or VITA, recently recognized Prince William County with two Commonwealth Technology Awards that recognize outstanding public-sector, information technology programs and projects from across state and local governments in Virginia.

The county received the awards for its enhanced Prince William County Build-Out Analysis and its PWC 311 system during the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium. The symposium highlights innovative uses of technology that improve government services, efficiency and the customer experience.

In December 2025, the county’s Planning Office and Department of Information Technology developed the county’s enhanced Build-Out Analysis Dashboard, transforming what had previously been an annual PDF report providing a one-time snapshot of data into an interactive online tool that is updated throughout the year. The dashboard is an interactive Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, application that provides a transparent and accessible tool to track the county’s capacity for residential and non-residential development. The dashboard supports informed decision-making regarding infrastructure, housing and economic development. County employees from Planning and GIS/Information Technology developed the platform, which updates quarterly or whenever land development actions are approved. The dashboard gives users up-to-date information that includes interactive, embedded maps that can be explored and customized to an individual’s needs. Users can export data tables offline and download GIS data for independent evaluation.

The Build-Out Analysis Dashboard monitors user engagement and collects continuous public feedback to provide accurate data that is responsive to community needs. The platform’s analytics track visits and user interactions. Since its launch, the dashboard has averaged 2,782 monthly visits, demonstrating strong, sustained public interest in accurate data.

The county’s PWC 311 platform, launched in May 2025, allows residents to engage with the county anytime and in multiple ways, whether that be a chatbot, mobile app, online portal, email or call center. The PWC 311 mission is to provide a single, reliable platform that simplifies access to services, ensures transparency and promotes accountability.

The platform has proven successful as a one-stop hub for people to request services, report issues and get answers, with a total of 63,750 interactions since its launch and 20,018 issues handled by live agents. The Commonwealth Technology Award marks the third individual award PWC 311 has received in the past 12 months, following recognition from the LocalSmart Awards and the Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Awards.

To achieve results, PWC 311 delivers a centralized solution to connect residents with the right county department at the right time for a wide range of needs by linking them with the appropriate agency quickly and efficiently to reduce complexity and improve service delivery.

PWC 311 lets users submit requests in more than 35 categories that include, among other things, getting information and reporting trash, junk and debris concerns, exterior building maintenance issues, unpermitted home businesses, hazardous trees, abandoned or inoperable vehicles, concerns about active construction sites, water pollution or illegal dumping, illegal parking on grass or dirt, outdoor storage issues and streetlight inquiries.

PWC 311 also allows customers to see the status of their requests along with the date the request was received, addressed and resolved. Residents can also receive timely updates and monitor request progress.

“We are honored to receive these two Commonwealth Technology Awards in recognition of Prince William County’s continued commitment to innovation, transparency and exceptional public service,” said County Executive Chris Shorter. “The enhanced Build-Out Analysis Dashboard and PWC 311 exemplify how strategic investments in technology can strengthen informed decision-making, expand access to county services and enhance the experience of our residents and businesses. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding collaboration and expertise of our staff, whose work continues to advance the county’s vision for a more responsive and connected community.”

For more information about these platforms and other services, visit the Prince William County government website.