Recognizing the Teams Making a Difference: The 2026 Forerunner Partner Awards

At the 2026 Forerunner Summit, Forerunner introduced its inaugural Partner Awards to recognize agencies using technology to modernize public services, strengthen disaster response, and build more resilient communities.

Three partners received awards across the categories of Innovation in Infrastructure Excellence, Innovation in Building and Code Enforcement, and Community Impact. Presented by members of Forerunner’s Customer Success team, the awards celebrate the people putting technology to work to address real challenges in their communities.

Innovation in Infrastructure Excellence: Madison County, Florida

Madison County’s Road Department is modernizing infrastructure management by digitizing daily workflows and driveway permits while mapping road assets, including culverts and signs. Using Forerunner’s mobile app, crews can document work and complete inspections in the field, reducing paperwork and creating a centralized record of infrastructure, permits, and maintenance activities.

The Madison County Road Department demonstrates how practical technology can improve infrastructure management and day-to-day service delivery.

Innovation in Building and Code Enforcement: Maui County, Hawaiʻi

Maui County is modernizing building administration while strengthening its capacity to respond to disasters and coordinate recovery efforts.

Following the March 2026 Kona low storms, the county centralized floodplain enforcement records, permit histories, and damage response information. The team also added approximately 1,600 preliminary damage assessment records to support FEMA reporting and recovery coordination.

By developing post-disaster workflows and building a library of historical construction records, Maui County is improving access to critical information and strengthening its ability to manage recovery alongside ongoing permitting and compliance responsibilities.

The Maui County team demonstrates how better access to records and more coordinated workflows can support resilient building administration.

Community Impact: Florida Division of Emergency Management

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is using technology to extend its support to communities across the state, reflecting a commitment to collaboration and proactive emergency management.

Through Forerunner, FDEM has documented more than 450 technical assistance engagements and hundreds of field visits, creating a consistent record of its work with local agencies. The team also works with Forerunner to improve processes, streamline administrative tasks, and identify opportunities for continued improvement.

FDEM’s work demonstrates how technology and collaboration can help communities strengthen their resilience.

Celebrating the work behind more resilient communities

Although these partners serve different needs and operate at different scales, their work shares a common approach: centralizing information, bringing digital tools into the field, and using technology to improve public service.

The inaugural Partner Awards celebrate the people behind that progress. From managing infrastructure and building records to coordinating disaster recovery, these teams demonstrate how better access to information can help agencies work more effectively and serve residents.

Congratulations to Madison County, Maui County, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and thank you to all Forerunner partners for the work you do every day.

Watch the awards ceremony: