Federal Policy and Marginalized Communities: County Strategies for Support and Equity at #MACoCon

Counties sit at the crossroads of federal policy and local impact. When Washington makes decisions on funding, regulations, or enforcement, those choices don’t stay in DC — they ripple directly through county budgets, services, and communities. From Medicaid and healthcare to disaster relief, housing, food security, and energy, states and county governments often carry the load of federal shifts while keeping residents safe and services stable.

These changes uniquely effect marginalized communities across every county in Maryland. This session will examine the major challenges immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and communities or color are facing in Maryland due to federal actions and explore how local governments can navigate the intersection of federal policy and local service delivery, with a focus on ensuring equity, protecting vulnerable populations, and maintaining compliance with rapidly evolving federal rules.

TITLE: Federal Policy and Marginalized Communities: County Strategies for Support and Equity

DESCRIPTION: Federal actions on immigration, housing, healthcare, and civil rights often have the greatest impact on marginalized and minority communities, and by extension, on the counties that serve them directly. Policy shifts in Washington can change funding streams, alter enforcement priorities, or introduce new compliance requirements with little warning, leaving counties to bridge the gap between federal intent and community impact. As service providers and employers for Maryland residents, counties can play a key role in turning policy shifts into opportunities to strengthen equity, trust, and inclusion. This session will highlight how federal policy shifts are affecting vulnerable community members and practical ways counties can support residents, share strategies to build partnerships with community advocates, and identify tools to ensure fair, effective service delivery. Panelists will share perspectives from community advocates and policy experts to understand where the gaps are, and how counties can be taking action on behalf of residents.

SPEAKERS:

George Escobar, Executive Director, CASA
Amanda Karras, Executive Director, International Municipal Lawyers Association
Lee Blinder, Chair, Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs
Cleveland Horton, Executive Director, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

MODERATOR: The Honorable Nicole Williams, Maryland House of Delegates

DATE/TIME: Thursday, December 11, 2025; 1:30 PM – 2:30 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.