In 2008, Erie County partnered with the University at Buffalo Center for Industrial Effectiveness (the Center) - to serve as the prime agent to assist in implementing a business management strategy called Lean Six Sigma. The endeavor has made Erie County the first large county in the United States to implement Lean Six Sigma.

Deployment began in spring 2008 with Executive Overview training, whereby 12 county commissioners received an overview of Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen techniques and the impact of using data to improve business. Every aspect of county-wide government is being permeated by the quality methodology. Erie County government employs approximately 6,000 people and has an annual budget of more than $1 billion. Lean Six Sigma spans across 27 departments in varying degrees of penetration, from Social Services and Mental Health to Public Works and Central Police Services, engaging all levels of authority.

Lean Six Sigma training and implementation helped achieve a $13 million surplus for the county in 2008, when governments across New York were facing deficits.