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
Counties meet an unprecedented moment in human services
County human services directors are racing to lower SNAP Payment Error Rates, implementing significant eligibility changes and preparing for reduced federal support while building entirely new systems and processes to implement Medicaid work requirements.
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces reorganization
On July 24, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will relocate thousands of federal employees, restructure regional offices and consolidate administrative services and operations. The changes are expected to reduce USDA’s footprint in Washington, D.C. and shift more personnel to regional hubs across the country.
County benefits from teens and retirees working together
When Cumberland County, Ky.'s staff was spread thin, a program aimed at retiree and teen volunteers helped fill the gap and became its own reward.
3 Things to Know About Population Change Across America's Counties
Latest Census data reveals a country in motion; however, growth is uneven, migration is shifting and the demographic composition of most counties is changing.
AI-powered town hall gives thousands a voice in county planning
Fast-growing Warren County, Ky. is using AI to crowd-source ideas to start a blueprint for where its community should be headed.
Senate Agriculture Committee passes Farm Bill
On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Secure & Responsible AI: Building Trust and Cyber Resilience in Local Government
As artificial intelligence transforms how local governments deliver essential services, county leaders face a critical challenge: how can they embrace AI innovation while protecting sensitive data, managing cybersecurity risks, and maintaining public trust?
Transforming Public Defense Operations for the Digital Evidence Era
Learn how the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office tackles surging digital evidence and case workloads using Box to achieve functional parity, automate document lifecycles, and securely query unstructured discovery.
2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes
Hosted by NACo President George Dunlap as part of his presidential spotlight, in partnership with NACo’s Board of Directors and Large Urban County Caucus, the event will focus on practical strategies and collaborative approaches that counties can advance at the local level—from proven prevention and early intervention models to cross-sector partnerships that align resources and expand opportunity.