MACo Highlights County Role in MD’s Economic Future at MEDA Winter Conference

On January 15, MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson joined state and regional economic leaders as a panelist at the Maryland Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) 2026 Winter Conference for a session titled “2026 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development.”

The conference provided a timely forum for public- and private-sector leaders to examine Maryland’s economic competitiveness and discuss policy priorities likely to shape the 2026 legislative session, particularly as the State confronts a looming budget deficit and slowing growth trends.

Moderated by Lori Valentine, Vice President of Policy and Public Relations at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, the Maryland Business Leadership Report panel brought together representatives from key statewide organizations, including:

  • Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, Maryland Association of Counties (MACo)
  • Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee
  • Mary Kane, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
  • Theresa Kuhns, Chief Executive Officer, Maryland Municipal League
  • Jack McDougle, President & CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade

Panelists addressed the scale of Maryland’s economic challenges, including sluggish growth and out-migration, and agreed that long-term competitiveness cannot be achieved through budget cuts alone. As McDougle noted, this is not a problem Maryland can “cut its way out of.” Rather, growth must be part of the solution.

Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized the importance of coordination across sectors. Kane emphasized the importance of government agencies working together with businesses to assess critical needs and shortfalls, while Thomas highlighted the necessity of public-private partnerships to build on Maryland’s strengths and make the state a more attractive landing spot for businesses.

For county leaders, a central theme was the need to balance efficiency with accountability in public programs. Kuhns underscored that local governments serve as frontline providers for many of the services and infrastructure that support economic activity, ranging from land use planning and transportation to public safety and quality-of-life investments.

Sanderson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that counties play a central role in delivering the services and infrastructure that support Maryland’s economy. Further, he expressed that the state cannot balance its budget by sacrificing counties as doing so risks undermining the very communities Maryland is trying to attract and retain. Ultimately, counties are central to the state’s ability to grow, compete, and retain residents and businesses.

“Counties are not a line item to be cut,” Sanderson emphasized, pointing out that local governments are partners in growth and essential to sustaining the communities Maryland seeks to retain and attract.

Sanderson concluded by calling for a clear, long-term economic strategy for the State. Without a defined “North Star,” he warned, Maryland risks settling for incremental progress rather than competing effectively on a national and global stage.

In addition to the business leadership discussion, the conference featured a Maryland Legislative Outlook panel moderated by Kellie S. Hinkle, Deputy Director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development. Legislative leaders, including Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey Jr., and House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, shared perspectives on the policy environment and challenges ahead.

The conference concluded with a luncheon and keynote address by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, introduced by Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr., offering insight into the administration’s economic priorities and vision for Maryland’s future.