In the 2025 General Assembly Session, MACo will prioritize flexibility with local revenue structures, restoring equitable transportation funding, aligning the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future with fiscal realities and economic conditions, and advancing solar siting with a balanced approach.
This week, the MACo Legislative Committee adopted the Association’s Legislative Initiatives for the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Session. MACo’s Legislative Committee will take positions on hundreds of bills, but these four issues serve as the Association’s priorities for the year.
MORE FLEXIBILITY WITH LOCAL REVENUE STRUCTURES
Maryland’s local governments, including the charter counties with the broadest authority, are hamstrung by outdated state-defined tax systems that fail to reflect the modern economy. By expanding revenue authority to capture a more modern economy and newly-opened markets, Maryland should provide counties with the necessary tools to meet the evolving needs of their communities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
This statewide county priority promotes local decision-making with revenue structures and restricted state funding and empowers counties to be more self-sufficient in addressing their varied challenges and opportunities.
RESTORE STRONG AND EQUITABLE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transit are vital to public safety, economic development, and residents’ overall quality of life. Local governments are responsible for roughly five out of six road miles across the state, and adequate funding is crucial to ensure this infrastructure is safe, efficient, and capable of supporting economic growth.
A revenue shortfall in state transportation revenues and a fast-approaching “cliff effect” in support of local transportation make this a pressing, immediate matter. Maryland must redouble its efforts to uphold its longstanding role and bolster local funding through Highway User Revenues.
ALIGN BLUEPRINT WITH CURRENT IMPLEMENTATION REALITIES AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Maryland’s essential and ambitious education plan, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, is underway but faces an environment unlike its initial forecasts. The pandemic, labor market, and cost drivers have altered the underpinning of this landmark effort. County governments have been funding partners, making record-setting financial commitments over three years of the roll-out, with the vast majority of jurisdictions funding well over their local share of Blueprint costs.
The State must incorporate the practical and fiscal realities already affecting implementation, recognize the cost pressures looming with its continued roll-out, and ensure accountability and transparency in every level of spending. These collective efforts can help navigate a successful implementation and fiscally sustainable path toward the Blueprint’s policy goals.
ADVANCE SOLAR SITING WITH A BALANCED APPROACH
Maryland, along with the broader region, faces a daunting energy crisis. Recent capacity auctions indicate a spike in utility rates, and state data shows energy demand far outpacing in-state production, making Maryland ratepayers even more susceptible to peak demand price hikes.
In-state clean energy is undoubtedly part of the best path forward. As policymakers in Annapolis confront this challenge, counties favor a broad-based approach that balances multiple climate and environmental objectives without sacrificing communities’ ability to influence their character.
By its bylaws, MACo must select four legislative initiatives as a focus for each Maryland General Assembly Session. First, the membership submits dozens of issues for consideration as initiatives. MACo’s Initiative Subcommittee members then review, analyze, and discuss these proposals through a months-long process until they narrow the list to four initiatives. Finally, the Initiatives Subcommittee presents the slate to the Legislative Committee for adoption.
For more information, contact MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally.
