PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court has been recognized with four 2026 National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), honoring innovative programs that improve government services, increase efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.
The Clerk's Office received awards for:
- Probate Electronic Filing (e-File) Implementation
- Mental Health Electronic Filing (e-File) Implementation
- Creation and Implementation of the Clerk's First Comprehensive Brand Guide
- New Supervisor Orientation Program
The annual NACo Achievement Awards recognize county government programs that provide outstanding services, improve access for residents, increase operational efficiency, and demonstrate measurable results.
"These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to modernizing court services while keeping the people we serve at the center of everything we do," said Acting Clerk of the Superior Court Nancy Rodriguez. "Whether we're expanding electronic filing, improving access to critical mental health proceedings, improving the employee experience, or strengthening how we communicate with the public, every initiative is focused on making the Clerk’s Office more accessible, efficient, and responsive. I'm incredibly proud of our employees whose dedication and creativity made these accomplishments possible."
One of the honored programs completed a major milestone in the Clerk's modernization efforts by launching Probate e-File, making electronic filing available across almost every case type handled by the Clerk's Office. Since its launch in July 2025, nearly 20,000 probate documents have been electronically filed, reducing paper processing, improving efficiency, and making it easier for attorneys and self-represented litigants to access court services.
NACo also recognized the Clerk's Mental Health e-File program, which transformed the processing of time-sensitive behavioral health cases. Since launching in April 2024, nearly 14,000 mental health cases have been electronically filed, allowing court documents to be processed in minutes rather than days. The streamlined workflow helps ensure statutory deadlines are met while enabling individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to access treatment and services more quickly.
The third award honored the Clerk's inaugural Brand Guide, the first comprehensive set of communication and design standards for the office. The guide established a consistent visual identity and messaging framework across all divisions, strengthening public trust, improving communication, and empowering employees to produce professional, accessible materials that reflect the Clerk's commitment to public service.
Lastly, NACo recognized the Clerk’s Office for a new, internal program for newly hired or newly promoted supervisors by creating a hands-on, collaborative, and comprehensive training experience that equips supervisors with the technical skills, organizational knowledge, and leadership expectations necessary to excel immediately, strengthening the effectiveness of county government operations.
The recognition comes as part of NACo's annual Achievement Awards program, which celebrates innovative county government initiatives from across the nation. Maricopa County received 78 National Achievement Awards in 2026, with the Clerk of the Superior Court earning four of those honors.
"Our employees are constantly looking for better ways to serve the public," Rodriguez said. "Innovation isn't simply about technology—it's about finding meaningful solutions that improve access to justice, strengthen public confidence, and help us better serve one of the largest Superior Court systems in the nation."
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