At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about how counties can prepare for future risks while supporting safe, sustainable growth in coastal communities.
With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Maryland’s counties are on the front lines of a changing Chesapeake Bay. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent disasters are already straining local resources—and will increasingly impact development patterns, infrastructure planning, and land use decisions. This session will explore the critical services our coasts provide, strategies to protect and enhance them, and how counties can adapt to long-term environmental change.
Delegate Dylan Behler led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the Maryland’s Changing Coastline: What Counties Need to Know general session at the MACo Summer Conference.
🌊 LIVE: Maryland’s Changing Coastline panel begins now!
From rising seas to stronger storms, MD’s 3,000+ miles of shoreline face big challenges. Today’s discussion explores how counties can protect coasts, adapt infrastructure, & plan for a resilient future #MACoCon #MDcounties pic.twitter.com/h6yREThgu3
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 14, 2025
Panel speakers included:
- Lee Currey, Waterand Science Administration Director, Maryland Department of the Environment
- Erik Fisher, Chair, Critical Area Commission
- Tracey Taylor, Director, Wicomico County Dept. of Planning
- Matt Stegman, Staff Attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Joe Siemek, P.E., Director, Harford County Dept. of Public Works
Lee Currey kicked off the conversation by discussing the importance of state and local coordination in areas where jurisdiction overlaps. There is more space for the state and counties to collaborate in addressing rising water. Groundwater, wastewater systems, and other critical infrastructure will likely start to be impacted as the climate crisis worsens.
Erik Fisher discussed how sea level rise will limit where new development and growth can safely occur. He underlined that part of addressing the housing shortage needs to be ensuring new units are built in areas that are less likely to flood.
Tracey Taylor gave some perspective on the concerns and realities that counties need to contend with daily. County-level risk monitoring is growing in importance, with new GIS and other technologies driving policy development and land use planning.
Joe Siemek, P.E., explained some of the history of infrastructure investments in Maryland. Counties are constantly conducting cost-benefit analyses of where to invest resources. Major factors counties need to consider when planning for infrastructure maintenance and expansion include: variance in location and impact & striving for balance between competing forces.
Matt Stegman explained the role of CBF and outlined the environmentalist’s perspective. In 20 years, the highest grade the Chesapeake Bay has received is a C+. Most of the improved items in green are primarily due to the work of counties.
In 20yrs the highest grade the Chesapeake Bay has received is a C+. Most of the improved items in green are largely due to the work of counties. pic.twitter.com/WTZ17gtmZ4
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 14, 2025
The session was on August 14th at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
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