National Association of Counties Launches Initiative to Strengthen County Human Services Systems

Peer network will support best practices, innovation in benefits administration

WASHINGTON – 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. The program supports counties impacted by administrative and benefit cost shifts associated with H.R. 1, the reconciliation bill passed last year.  

Innovative approaches to program delivery in the areas of data integration, customer experience design and artificial intelligence can improve benefits administration. Through peer learning and exploration of advanced technology solutions, the Transforming Human Services Initiative will support county leaders as they endeavor to meet new eligibility requirements and sustain services to residents in need.  

“Counties are on the front lines of protecting family well-being, especially in rural and low-resource communities. Through this partnership with NACo, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is investing in peer learning, responsible innovation and shared solutions that help counties protect access to food and essential supports during times of transition,” said Paula Sammons, program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Counties play an essential role in delivering human services to millions of residents, from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to childcare, housing and homelessness services and child welfare. In the 10 states where counties administer SNAP, counties process benefits for over a third of the total participants across the country. In three of those states, counties fund the entire non-federal match, while six others share this financial obligation with the state. In all states, counties serve as essential implementation partners, providing outreach and support to ensure families are able to access benefits.

H.R. 1, passed in July 2025, will increase state and county contributions to the administrative costs of SNAP, while adding administrative burdens such as more stringent work requirements and tying the program’s benefit cost-share to payment error rates.  

“Counties deliver or support a wide variety of services that residents interact with every day, and we are increasingly being asked to do more with less,” said NACo Chief Program Officer Ashleigh Holand. “By fostering a community of practice for public benefits service delivery, NACo will help counties meet the moment. We will leverage new tools to comply with new program demands and generate scalable strategies for other areas of county responsibility.”

Opportunities to participate in peer exchanges will be announced in spring and summer 2026.  

Counties interested in joining the Transforming Human Services Initiative or contributing ideas on modernizing county processes for benefits administration can share their interest here.