Power, Potential, and Preemption: AI’s Local Impact at #MACoCon

At this year’s MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and tech experts will tackle one of today’s most pressing questions: How can counties lead on innovation while navigating growing concerns over transparency, ethics, and preemption?

Across Maryland, counties are already using AI to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and analyze data in ways that were previously inaccessible.

But as these tools become more powerful — and more widely adopted — questions around regulation, accountability, and local autonomy are coming into sharper focus.

State and federal officials are paying closer attention, with proposals surfacing that could limit or reshape how local governments deploy and govern AI. As counties work to stay ahead of the curve, they must also protect their ability to make decisions that reflect local priorities and values.

To meet the moment, the MACo Summer Conference brings together policy experts and industry leaders to explore the evolving AI landscape — including how counties can lead on responsible innovation while preserving local decision-making.

MACo Tech Expo Session — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how counties deliver services, enhance public safety, and support more effective planning. At the same time, federal agencies are moving toward preempting state and local authority, raising new concerns about local autonomy.

This session will explore how counties can leverage AI to enhance governance while navigating the evolving landscape of state and federal oversight. Experts will share real-world applications, strategies to preserve local decision-making, and insights on how counties can lead in responsible innovation. Panelists will also discuss how local governments can advocate for county-centered approaches as technology and regulation evolve.

Speakers:

  • Mark Ritacco, Chief Government Affairs Officer, National Association of Counties (NACo)
  • Ted Pibil, Senior Government Advisor, ePlus
  • Erin McKinney, Policy Council, AWS

Moderator: The Honorable Linda Foley, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

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

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: