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