100 Reasons to Celebrate County Government Month

April is National County Government Month, a time to recognize the vital role counties play in our everyday lives. From protecting public health to building infrastructure, ensuring justice, and providing critical social services, counties are where the rubber meets the road for government services. At the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), we are proud to highlight and honor this work — especially as we mark our 100th anniversary this year.

As part of this celebration, we are thrilled to share a special publication: "100 Ways Counties Serve Their Communities"

This commemorative report is a sweeping tribute to the countless — and often overlooked — ways New York's 62 counties work to strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

The Unsung Heroes of Local Government

Most New Yorkers interact with their county government regularly, often without even realizing it. When you drive on a well-maintained road, enroll your child in a special education program, receive public health alerts, or call 911 in an emergency, your county is there — making it all happen.

Our new report outlines 100 distinct ways counties support New Yorkers, organized across vital areas such as:

Public Health & Human Services – From running maternal health programs to administering Meals-on-Wheels, counties are deeply invested in your well-being.

Public Safety & Emergency Management – Prosecuting crimes, coordinating disaster response, and providing victim services are just some of the ways counties keep residents safe.

Infrastructure & Environment – Counties maintain 85% of roads in New York, run airports and transit systems, and invest in energy efficiency and clean water.

Youth & Education – Counties support programs for youth development, sponsor community colleges, and provide services for children with disabilities.

Justice & Governance – From running elections and recording vital records to staffing courthouses and funding indigent defense, counties are pillars of democracy.

100 Ways for 100 Years

The number 100 in our report is more than just a tally. It’s a celebration of NYSAC’s 100th anniversary and the century-long legacy of supporting the county leaders and officials who rise every day to meet the needs of their communities.

For the past 100 years, NYSAC has been the unified voice of counties across the Empire State — advocating, educating, and strengthening local governance. As we reflect on our history, this report invites readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of county responsibilities, and to celebrate the dedicated public servants who make it all possible.

Explore the Report and Be Inspired

Whether you're a policymaker, community leader, educator, or simply a curious citizen, we invite you to read the full report and discover just how much counties do every day to serve you.

Let’s celebrate National County Government Month together — by recognizing and championing the county governments that make New York thrive.