Maryland’s Fiscal Outlook: Balancing State Budget Challenges and Priorities at #MACoCon

At this year’s MACo Summer Conference, hear directly from Maryland’s Comptroller about the State’s budget outlook — and how county leaders can prepare for the fiscal challenges ahead.

Maryland’s fiscal forecast has taken center stage in policy discussions, as declining revenues, structural constraints, and federal uncertainty converge to create real challenges for state and local governments alike.

Counties, already facing rising costs and service demands, must prepare for fiscal headwinds that could ripple through nearly every area of public service, from transportation and education to health and emergency response.

Understanding the scope of these challenges — and identifying sustainable strategies to address them — requires clear, data-informed leadership and a strong partnership between the State and county governments. That’s why this year’s MACo Summer Conference will feature a high-level conversation on the fiscal road ahead — and what it means for county governments.

MACo Summer Conference Session — Maryland’s Fiscal Outlook: Balancing State Budget Challenges and Priorities

Maryland’s fiscal foundation is showing signs of strain. Revenue volatility, long-term obligations, and federal uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on the State’s budget, with downstream impacts for counties.

In this timely, interview-style session, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson will examine what is shaping the State’s fiscal decisions and how those choices may affect county governments in the months and years ahead.

This conversation will explore fiscal forecasting, structural budget gaps, and the tools available to build a more stable, responsive financial future for Maryland’s residents, including how counties can prepare and adapt amid uncertainty.

Speakers:

  • The Honorable Brooke Lierman, Maryland Comptroller
  • Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, MACo

Date/Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025; 10:00 am – 11:00 am

MACo’s Summer Conference is August 13-16, 2025, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government.” For more information, please visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: