Missouri OA-ITSD Achieves Top Overall “A” Grade in 2026 Digital States Survey

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The State of Missouri is one of 11 states to achieve a top-tier overall grade of "A" in the 2026 Digital States Survey, a national benchmark evaluating technology practices and digital governance across all 50 states.

In addition to securing the premier overall grade, Missouri received a national Outstanding Achievement Award recognizing its exemplary work and technological innovation in Health and Human Services.

The biennial survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government, assesses how effectively state governments leverage digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery, strengthen cybersecurity, and increase statewide administrative efficiency. The Missouri Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division (OA-ITSD)'s "A" grade places it among an elite group of states recognized for aligning technology investments directly with citizen needs and operational excellence.

"We are grateful of this recognition from the Center for Digital Government; it is a testament to the support in IT from Governor Mike Kehoe, OA Commissioner Kurt Schaefer and the Missouri Legislature," said OA-ITSD Chief Information Officer John Laurent. "I am also incredibly thankful to our OA-ITSD team members who work diligently to build, enhance and support solutions for the technology needs of State of Missouri. These are exceptionally skilled folks that have a sincere desire to help fellow citizens and businesses in the state while also understanding the need to be exemplary stewards of taxpayer dollars. Our focus will continue to be on modernizing our technology with emphasis on usability, reliability and security."

The national Outstanding Achievement Award recognizing exemplary work and technological innovation in Health and Human Services is a result of OA-ITSD's partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Department of Social Services to enhance technology innovation through Missouri's Rural Health Transformation effort. The agencies are collaborating to modernize technology, integrate data and systems, and develop innovative digital solutions that improve how Missourians access and receive health and human services. This cross-agency approach demonstrates how strategic technology investments can break down silos, strengthen service deliver, and optimize health and safety for all Missourians, in all communities, for life.

The Center for Digital Government will formally present Missouri with its awards during the national Digital States Survey awards dinner on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in San Diego. The full results of the 2026 survey, highlighting best practices and digital transformation milestones nationwide, are published online on the Center for Digital Government's website.