County human resources professionals came together this week at MACo’s 2026 Human Resources Affiliate Conference, held at the Claggett Center in Frederick County. The two-day event blended networking and timely policy discussions, equipping local HR leaders with tools and insights to navigate an increasingly complex workforce landscape.
The conference opened on May 6 with a welcoming reception and dinner, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with peers from across jurisdictions before a full day of programming.
Day two began with a session highlighting innovations in employee health centers for county governments, followed by a comprehensive legal update on state and federal employment law changes impacting public employers.
A standout session focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in HR operations. As counties begin exploring tools to assist with tasks like drafting job descriptions, screening applicants, and developing internal policies, speakers emphasized a balanced approach. From an IT and security perspective, attendees walked through what can go wrong when AI tools are used without proper safeguards, ranging from data exposure risks to unreliable outputs. Practical guardrails were a central theme, including limiting inputs of sensitive information, verifying outputs, and establishing internal policies on acceptable use. From a legal and policy standpoint, the discussion highlighted potential risks related to bias, confidentiality, and public records obligations. Speakers underscored that while AI can be a helpful tool, its use in HR decision-making, particularly hiring and discipline, requires careful consideration and human oversight. The session offered practical “dos and don’ts” tied to common HR functions, helping counties think through where AI can add value and where caution is warranted.
Following the AI session, attendees gathered for lunch, continuing conversations into the afternoon roundtable discussions, where attendees engaged in open dialogue on topics such as workers’ compensation, collective bargaining, and emerging workplace regulations.
With Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program regulations now finalized, a key session focused on what comes next. Attendees received an update on implementation timelines, upcoming milestones, and decisions counties will face in the months ahead. The discussion also highlighted the ongoing work of the Collaborative effort between MACo, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE), and the Maryland Municipal League (MML) on delivering FAMLI benefits. With contribution requirements and program rollout on the horizon, counties are now shifting from understanding the policy to planning for the rollout.
The conference concluded with a post-session policy update outlining key legislation from the 2026 General Assembly and its impact on county governments as employers. Among the topics discussed were new laws affecting employment practices, including changes related to employee protections and workplace policies. Attendees also heard about proposals that did not pass but could resurface in future sessions. MACo’s advocacy in 2026 emphasized the importance of preserving local flexibility, avoiding one-size-fits-all mandates, and ensuring counties have the tools and resources needed to effectively manage their workforce.
MACo thanks all speakers, attendees, and our sponsors: Marathon Health, Cigna Healthcare, and Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) who contributed to a successful and engaging conference.
Click here to view the full HR agenda, conference speakers, and sponsors.