At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, counties will confront a harsh reality: federal disaster support no longer feels predictable, and preparedness planning now requires new strategies beyond Washington’s stability.
Federal preparedness and disaster recovery support sit on unstable ground.
Shutdown threats, frozen funds, legal battles, and shifting federal priorities have created fundamental planning uncertainty for counties responsible for public safety and emergency response.
As national debate continues over disaster funding and FEMA’s future direction, counties cannot rely on historical assumptions around federal aid.
Emergency managers now face volatile reimbursement timelines, delayed guidance, and potential long-term changes in how the federal government supports disaster readiness and recovery.
At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, an expert panel will address this changing landscape and discuss how counties prepare for emergencies when federal stability is compromised.
Panelists will break down emerging federal pressures, explore alternative approaches for sustained readiness, and evaluate how State-local coordination can protect mission-critical capabilities during extended fiscal uncertainty. Attendees will leave with insight into policy shifts, risk-mitigation strategies, and options to strengthen preparedness without guaranteed federal support.
MACo Winter Conference Session: Preparedness in Peril — Rethinking Readiness as Federal Stability Falters
Federal uncertainty continues to challenge emergency management systems that rely on stable funding and predictable policy. Counties handle on-the-ground response and recovery, so shifts at the federal level create real-world impacts on personnel, equipment, planning, and community resilience. This session examines the tightening federal landscape and offers strategies for maintaining readiness through sustained State-local coordination, diversified support, and proactive planning.
Speakers:
- Preeti Emrick, Director, Office of Emergency Management, Anne Arundel County
- Russell Strickland, Secretary, Maryland Department of Emergency Management (invited)
- Brett Mattson, Legislative Director, National Association of Counties
-
Michael Hinson, Chief Resilience Officer, State of Maryland (invited)
Moderator: The Honorable Dana Jones, Maryland House of Delegates
Date/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
MACo’s Winter Conference, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD, on December 10-12, 2025.
Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference:
- Attendee Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system)
- Attendee Brochure (with full schedule)
- Exhibitor Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system)
- 2024 Winter Conference Photos (see what it’s like!)
- Questions? Contact Virginia White
