Earn Academy Credits With These Summer Series Courses

MACo’s Summer Series starts July 1 and continues weekly through August. Check out the 5 sessions that will offer elective credit for the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.

There are 9 MACo sessions scheduled (and many Corporate Partner Solutions Sessions soon to be announced!). Check out the entire schedule on our website. 5 sessions have been selected for Academy elective credit, but any registered participant can attend.

Registration is FREE for county elected officials and employees, so REGISTER TODAY. Other government officials and employees, along with commercial and nonprofit representatives may also register – see NonMember Registration Rates.

You must attend the live versions of these sessions to earn Academy credit – credit will not be offered for the recorded version.

SUMMER SERIES ACADEMY ELECTIVE COURSES

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 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.

SUMMER SERIES ACADEMY CORE COURSES

If taken live (ie, not through the recorded version), these courses count toward Core Credit for registered Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance certificate program.

Ethics (July 30, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm)

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 (August 6, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm)

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.