MACo’s Summer Series will bring county leaders and others involved in local government the timely and crucial information and discussion opportunities they need on a weekly basis.
MACo announced last week that with the cancellation of the Summer Conference, a Summer Series of e-learning opportunities would be available to members and the wider government community in Maryland.
MACo’s Summer Series will offer online educational and dialogue opportunities through live and interactive virtual sessions.
Forums, presentations, and expert speakers will provide the value and innovative results you’ve come to expect from MACo’s Summer Conference, but in a timely and convenient format that meets your needs during these unfamiliar times. Discuss solutions and lessons learned in all areas of service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us as we dive into crisis issues and traditional – but evergreen – governance challenges.
Looking for a few fast facts?
- The series will run for 9 weeks, beginning July 1
- Will include at least 1 weekly session curated by MACo and one hosted by our Partners
- Registration is FREE for county officials and employees, thanks to our Corporate Partners (but you must register to participate)
- View registration rates for non-county participants
- There are options for purchasing the entire series, 5 sessions, or individual sessions
- View the session titles, description, and schedule below, or on our website
MACo is thrilled to announce the schedule and session descriptions, along with more information, available on our website!
SESSION SCHEDULE & DETAILS
JULY 1, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Counties as Employers – During and After the Shutdown
Employers across the world are realigning to remote work and fewer workers in public places. As we continue with safety precautions, but look toward re-opening businesses and services – what challenges await counties in their role as employers? A veteran MACo presenter and HR legal expert will walk through the important balancing acts ahead.
JULY 8, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Keeping Up with Climate Change Forum
Maryland has committed to achieving ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Maryland Commission on Climate Change is tasked with advising the Governor and the General Assembly on ways to mitigate the causes of climate change and guide the state to reaching its goals. Hear an update from Commission members on the progress Maryland has made and weigh in on how counties can take decisive action that aids the pursuit of mitigation goals while realizing local benefits.
JULY 15, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The Past, Present, and Future of Public Health and Pandemics Forum
COVID-19 is not the first virus to ravage society and it won’t be the last. Engage with expert(s) on the challenges, successes, and future of public health services in the face of pandemics.
JULY 22, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Kirwan – Where Do We Go From Here?
As the State and counties grapple with unprecedented budget pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kirwan Blueprint bill hangs in the balance. While the Governor vetoed the bill, lawmakers face tremendous pressure to move forward with the plan — and to abandon the “trigger” provision designed to curtail spending in times of economic instability. In this session, hear from various stakeholders on how the state will move forward with – or possibly delay – the implementation of the Kirwan Blueprint bill.
JULY 29, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Telehealth Revolution: Transforming Healthcare Through Technology
The doctor will see you now…virtually. While the telehealth gears were already in motion, COVID-19 has enhanced and accelerated the role technology can play in connecting patients with health care providers. Learn how telehealth is reshaping the delivery of healthcare in Maryland by providing people and communities in need with virtual access to high quality, convenient, patient-centered care.
AUGUST 5, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Back to Basics – Retooling Your Budget in Times of Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate – and possibly, long-term – impacts on government revenues and expenditures. Counties are making significant financial investments to address immediate public health and safety needs. At the same time, massive and unprecedented declines in local revenue — combined with the looming threat of state cost shifts – only exacerbate the growing pressure on county budgets. In this session, learn best practices for planning, budgeting, revenue forecasting, and strategies for how counties can best prepare for future fiscal uncertainties.
AUGUST 12, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Bridging the Digital Divide Forum: Broadband for All
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of broadband connectivity across our state. Students have transitioned to online learning, many professionals have shifted to telework, and applying for unemployment or small business assistance programs often requires access to the internet. Affordable high-speed internet is an essential component of a county’s economic development and the socio-economic advancements of its residents, yet not everyone in Maryland has access. Participate live to discuss current state and federal funding opportunities to expand broadband access, along with next steps to ensure all Marylanders have high speed internet. Discuss lessons learned and innovative service delivery necessitated by the COVID-19 crisis.
AUGUST 19, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
COVID-19 and the Maryland Economy: What’s Next?
The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking economic havoc across both the public and private sectors. As the focus shifts to restoring our state and local economies in a manner that is safe, equitable, and prosperous for all, what is the county role in helping businesses to restart, restructure, and reignite? Join this session for an update on the current state of the economy, the federal response, and best practices for fostering a swift, sustainable economic turnaround.
AUGUST 26, 2020 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Constituent Communications in a Crisis
Effective constituent service takes on an even greater level of importance in ensuring the health and welfare of residents during a crisis. Being an informative resource for individuals seeking the latest news and guidance in an unfamiliar situation helps constituents better utilize government services and comply with changing regulations. Learn strategies for effectively communicating with residents to help promote better outcomes for your community and connect people with the resources they need, when needed most.
Academy Core Courses:
(dates and times TBA)
These courses count toward Core Credit for registered Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance certificate program.
Ethics
Officials should be knowledgeable of their public ethics ordinance, as generally required by state law. Many officials fill out the necessary forms and assume that they have complied with the law. But are their day-to-day actions living up to the intent of the law? There is often a fine line between legal and ethical behavior, and this class illustrates the differences through real-life scenarios and small group discussions.
Open Meetings Act
This class provides an overview of Maryland’s Open Meetings Act law, which guides public officials in the requirements for providing public notice of the meetings that public bodies hold to conduct public business and for closing meetings when appropriate. The presenters focus on steps that local governments can take to comply with the law’s application to Maryland local government, discuss some of the cases and complaints that have come before the Open Meetings Compliance Board, and, if time permits, address questions from the audience. Updates on guidance for virtual meeting compliance with the Open Meetings Act will also be discussed.
Our Corporate Partners will also be providing online learning content, which we will announce in the weeks ahead!
For details on pricing and registration, please visit our Summer Series page.
