Transparency matters. At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees received an overview of Maryland’s Open Meetings Act law, which guides public officials in the requirements for providing public notice of the meetings that public bodies hold to conduct public business and for closing meetings when appropriate.
The Maryland Open Meetings Act is a fundamental statute to promote government transparency, build public trust, and ensure residents have meaningful access to the decision-making process. The Act requires public bodies to provide advance notice of meetings, conduct business openly, and limit closed sessions to specific, lawful circumstances. Failure to comply can result in public complaints, legal challenges, and damage to public confidence in local governance.
Audience members were joined by Frank Johnson, City Attorney for the City of Gaithersburg, and April Ishak, Attorney at AC Ishak Law LLC, for a panel moderated by The Honorable Caryn Abbott, Commissioner, Worcester County. The 2025 “Academy Core: Open Meetings” presentation focused on steps that local governments can take to comply with the law’s application to Maryland local government.
The #MACoCon Open Meetings Act session is underway with a stellar panel including Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbot, City Attorney for the City of Gaithersburg Frank Johnson, and April Ishak of AC Ishak Law LLC guiding attendees on the importance of the Open Meetings Act… pic.twitter.com/kl6deP7wzK
— Maryland Association of Counties (@MDCounties) December 10, 2025
The panelists discussed some of the cases and complaints that have come before the Open Meetings Compliance Board and tips for managing compliance with the Act. The panel was moderated by Worcester County Commissioner, Caryn Abbot, who highlighted the importance of public accessibility to meetings including public notice rules, compliance requirements, and key case guidance for local government.
Specifically, Frank Johnson shared three essential steps for planning and hosting effective meetings in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Johnson offered procedural advice for before, during, and after an open meeting takes place to best help local governments remain in compliance with the Act.
Then, April Ishak maintained the importance of ensuring meetings are truly accessible to the public, especially in today’s digital age. When it comes to virtual meetings, Ishak focused on the importance of the clear and deliberate identification of speakers, motions, and agenda items throughout to ensure attendees are properly following the meeting.
The session took place as part of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance program. This program is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. It provides a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge necessary for local government leaders. It was founded by MACo and MML, is facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and is sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT).
More Information
Title: Academy Core: Open Meetings
Speakers:
- Frank Johnson – City Attorney for the City of Gaithersburg
- April Ishak – Attorney at AC Ishak Law LLC
Moderator: The Honorable Caryn Abbott, Commissioner, Worcester County
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
