Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Affinity Group Meeting at #MACoCon

Secretary Walter Simmons will join the MACo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Affinity Group to share insights about the new division and how county governments can be good partners in advancing initiatives of the new Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility at #MACoCon. 

The upcoming 2026 MACo Summer Conference will give county officials an opportunity to learn more about the newly established Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) and how its work could intersect with local government priorities. Created by bringing together the Office of Minority Business Enterprises, the Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, and the Office of Social Equity, DoSEM is designed to better coordinate state efforts to remove barriers, invest in inclusive opportunities, and align resources supporting historically underserved communities and businesses. For counties working to expand economic opportunity, strengthen small-business ecosystems, and connect residents with resources, understanding the department’s new structure and priorities will be valuable for identifying potential partnerships and opportunities for collaboration.

The discussion also comes at an important time as DoSEM begins defining how it will work across state government and with local partners. The department’s stated vision is to ensure that Marylanders, regardless of race, geography, or background, can access the tools, networks, and systems needed to thrive and contribute to a more prosperous state. County officials attending the DEI Affinity Group meeting will have the opportunity to hear directly about the department’s goals moving forward, gain insight into how the integration of the three offices may affect state-local coordination, and consider how counties can engage with DoSEM’s work in ways that support their own communities and local economic development efforts.

  • Speakers: Walter Simmons, Secretary, Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility
  • Moderator: The Honorable Natali Fani-González, Council President, Montgomery County
  • Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026; 10:15 am – 11:15 am

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: