Read more about the article Operation Green Light for Veterans: How You Can Get Involved
NACo and Federal Issues
Operation Green Light for Veterans: How You Can Get Involved

The National Association of Counties is getting behind Operation Green Light, an initiative to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country, and they want you to join the effort. America’s counties are home to 17.5 million veterans, and are deeply invested in veterans’ health and well-being, often serving as a veteran’s first point of contact in…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article July 27 Board of Public Works Meeting: Here’s What Counties Need to Know
Board of Public Works / County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation
July 27 Board of Public Works Meeting: Here’s What Counties Need to Know

The Board of Public Works (BPW) — a three-member panel including Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and State Treasurer Dereck Davis — reviews projects, contracts, and expenditure plans for state agencies, many of which affect county governments. The BPW considered and approved the following requests and recommendations at its meeting on July 27, 2022: Allegany County A request from the Department of Natural Resources to commit $100,000 in funding from the Community Parks and…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article Maryland Energy Administration Opens $1.4M Under the OPEN Energy Program
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
Maryland Energy Administration Opens $1.4M Under the OPEN Energy Program

Maryland Energy Administration announces $1.4 Million in awards for Innovative and Novel Efforts under the OPEN Energy Program. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) recently announced that four awardees have been selected for its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) OPEN Energy Program. The four awards total $1.4 million in funding to help advance the State’s energy goals in innovative ways. MEA launched the OPEN Energy Program to provide an opportunity to receive and award proposals for energy…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article Boldly Go: The New Frontier of Public Health Delivery and Transport
Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Boldly Go: The New Frontier of Public Health Delivery and Transport

The lack of access to reliable transportation and healthcare infrastructure remain obstacles facing many communities throughout Maryland. In fact, these problems persist regardless of geographic location – urban or rural community, small or big.  Maryland's counties have tackled these issues head-on in creative ways, but there is still work to do and there are abundant opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Boldly Go: The New Frontier of Public Health Delivery and Transport In this MACo Summer…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article Breaking Developments in Police Oversight: Training Requirements Yes, Partially-Retired Judges No
County News / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Breaking Developments in Police Oversight: Training Requirements Yes, Partially-Retired Judges No

The Police and Correctional Training Commissions (PCTC) and the Maryland Judicial Ethics Committee have released guidance further shaping how counties implement the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021. Both rulings will pose additional challenges to counties' ability to fulfill these broad, mandated requirements. In a letter to county leadership dated Monday, July 25th, PCTC discussed how it will administer a recently approved 40-hour training for members of county Administrative Charging Committees (ACCs), a requirement of…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article Montgomery Considers All Electrification Building Code
County News / Environment
Montgomery Considers All Electrification Building Code

Montgomery County Council is weighing legislation that would require full electrification of new buildings going forward. Montgomery County Council is considering passing Bill 13-22, which aims to require full electrification of all new buildings going forward. Montgomery County would become the third political subdivision on the east coast to enact such a policy if passed. Several council members have already signaled support, as well as County Executive Elrich. According to Maryland Matters: “The latest U.N.…

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July 28, 2022
Read more about the article Maryland Awards Climate Resilience Grants to 12 Communities
County News / Emergency Management / Environment / News You Can Use
Maryland Awards Climate Resilience Grants to 12 Communities

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded more than $2 million to 12 climate resilience projects to help communities prepare for, and recover from, climate-related impacts. These competitive grants will help communities plan and design solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events. These projects will identify and prioritize vulnerable communities, incorporate climate change data and information into existing plans and policies, and develop nature-based or natural solutions to control flooding. Funding is made…

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July 27, 2022
Read more about the article Maryland Has its First LGBTQ Affairs Commission Administrative Director
Intergovernmental Relations / Uncategorized
Maryland Has its First LGBTQ Affairs Commission Administrative Director

On July 26, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives today announced the appointment of the first Administrative Director to the Maryland Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Jeremy Browning. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly passed a law to create the statewide Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. The 15 member Commission will "study and develop best practices and make policy recommendations to enhance the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals and communities statewide." It will operate under Governor’s Office…

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July 27, 2022
Read more about the article Fed Hikes Interest Rates Another 75 Basis Points to Battle Inflation
Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Fed Hikes Interest Rates Another 75 Basis Points to Battle Inflation

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a point for a second straight time in its most aggressive drive in three decades to tamp inflationary pressures. The Fed set the new benchmark interest rate to a target range between 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 percent and anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate. Today's rate hike matched the Fed's last move in June, its most significant single-meeting rate increase…

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July 27, 2022
Read more about the article USDOT Announces Funding for Rail Stations Accessibility
Transportation and Public Works
USDOT Announces Funding for Rail Stations Accessibility

Historic investments through the new All Stations Accessibility Program will improve accessibility at transit stations. Thirty-two years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. rail systems will get a significant boost in federal funds to improve accessibility for all riders. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced this week that it will provide $1.75 billion to make it easier for people to get on board at the nation’s oldest rail public transportation systems,…

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July 27, 2022
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