Transforming Human Services Initiative
Every day, counties provide services that help vulnerable individuals and families thrive, functioning as an integral part of the federal, state and local partnership in human service delivery. Counties are responsible for shaping policies and systems driving public human services programs such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), childcare assistance, housing and homelessness and child welfare programs.
- Every year, counties invest $62.8 billion in federal, state and local resources and employ 259,000 human services workers to provide safety net services for millions of residents.
- Additionally, counties spend $103 billion annually on elementary, secondary and post-secondary education.
- In 10 states – California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin – counties are responsible for the administration of the SNAP program. Nine of these states (excluding Wisconsin) administer TANF.
Through peer learning, technology exploration and collaboration with intergovernmental partners, NACo’s Transforming Human Services Initiative convenes and equips counties to adapt to their evolving role in county benefits administration and build integrated human services systems to best serve community members. In 2026, NACo will launch a peer learning SNAP-focused cohort to help counties troubleshoot emerging challenges, identify AI-driven best practices and share innovations.
Read our press release, announcing the initiative: National Association of Counties Launches Initiative to Strengthen County Human Services Systems
What Participants are Saying
Hon. Toni Carter
Former Commissioner, Ramsey County, Minn.
Kareem Murphy
Intergovernmental Relations Director, Hennepin County, Minn.
Anthony Trotman
Former Deputy County Manager, Mecklenburg County, N.C.
Share Your Interest
In 2026, NACo will launch a peer learning SNAP-focused cohort to help counties troubleshoot emerging challenges, identify AI-driven best practices and share innovations.
Are you working on public benefits administration or modernization in your county? Do you have ideas to share on how to streamline access to public benefits? Are you interested in participating in a future cohort to explore the applications of AI in administering SNAP? Please submit your information through the following form and NACo staff will connect with you to learn more and discuss opportunities to engage with upcoming programming:
Resource
H.R. 1 and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): What Counties Should Know
House Agriculture Committee advances 2026 Farm Bill
On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance its version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
National Association of Counties Launches Initiative to Strengthen County Human Services Systems
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces the launch of the Transforming Human Services Initiative, a new effort to help counties modernize benefits administration, integrate service delivery systems and strengthen county capacity to fulfill our responsibility as America’s safety net for children and families.
Congress seeking ‘common-sense solutions’ to unmet mental health needs
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.): “Right now, it is too difficult to access providers … and get mental health care in a facility that is the right size and also the appropriate acuity level to meet patients’ needs.”
Federal-level child welfare priorities center on supporting foster youth, families
Child welfare experts outlined current priorities at the federal level, including better supporting foster care youth who age out of the system and recruiting more foster parents, at NACo’s Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee meeting.
Prince William County transforms crisis care through "No Wrong Door" approach
Prince William County, Va.’s Crisis Receiving Center is bridging the gap between emergency room care and traditional outpatient care in behavioral crisis response and reducing burden on local law enforcement and hospitals.
Rising costs, federal cuts challenge some counties
Some counties across the country are reducing staff to alleviate budget deficits, as a result of rising operational costs and cuts to funding and jobs at the federal level.
Pre‑Proposal Conference - Online Marketplace RFP CO-2026-0006
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Join Douglas County, Neb. and NACo’s Public Promise Procurement team for the Preproposal Conference for RFP CO‑2026‑0006 where you can learn about an opportunity to participate in a nationwide Online Marketplace and Fixed‑Price Catalogs Master Agreement. Prospective suppliers, public agency users, and county leaders will gain insights, ask questions, and connect with the team driving this transformative procurement initiative. Don’t miss this powerful kickoff to a national contract opportunity.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information, visit the event page!
Emerging Dynamics in the Pharmacy Marketplace: Direct-to-Consumer and Plan Sponsors’ Rx Benefits
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar will feature Josh Fredell, Senior Vice President, PBM, Payor and Life Science Solutions at CVS Health, who will provide an expert overview of the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy benefits. Key discussion points will include the impact of the Direct to Consumer marketplace and prominent entrants such as TrumpRx, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus model, GoodRx, and others, with a particular focus on GLP‑1 therapies.
The session will explore current industry trends, how plan sponsors are responding, and strategic considerations for navigating this shifting landscape. Attendees will gain valuable insight into market forces shaping consumer access, payer decision‑making, and future implications for benefit design.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information, visit the event page!
Lowering Records Request Costs: Practical Tactics for Local Governments
This webinar identifies key cost drivers in public records management and provides strategies to minimize manual processing and mitigate legal risks.