The Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of North Dakota's Health and Human Services (HHS) agency. The meeting focused on improving service delivery, managing contracts, and establishing performance metrics to better serve the state's citizens.

During the session, officials emphasized the importance of being a trusted partner in managing relationships with service providers. They highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at optimizing contract management to ensure that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community. The overarching goal is to promote economic independence and overall well-being among the state's residents.

CFO Donna Auckland presented insights into the agency's current performance and the need for continuous improvement. While acknowledging the talented team within HHS, she noted that there are still gaps in service delivery that present opportunities for enhancement. The discussion included the integration of services following the merger of public health and human services, with a focus on making processes more client-centered and efficient.

A significant point raised was the need for performance dashboards that would provide legislators with clear and accessible data on service utilization and funding flows. Currently, while data exists, it is not presented in a user-friendly format, making it challenging for lawmakers to assess program effectiveness. The task force members expressed the necessity of improving technology and data presentation to facilitate better decision-making.

Senator Hogan and other representatives questioned the establishment of performance standards and evaluations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in program assessments. The officials acknowledged that while evaluations are conducted, the results need to be compiled and shared in a more accessible manner.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a commitment to excellence in service delivery and the importance of aligning agency goals with measurable outcomes. The task force aims to create a framework that not only tracks progress but also fosters a culture of high performance within the agency, ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided to North Dakota's citizens.