MACo Fall Symposium – Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

Every year, MACo hosts a one-day symposium for county officials and professionals to dive deeply into a hot topic. The 2026 Fall Symposium will be held on September 14 and will focus on artificial intelligence responsibilities and opportunities for counties.

MACo Fall Symposium

September 14, 2026
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Annapolis

 

Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

 Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way governments serve residents, support employees, and make decisions. What was once an emerging technology is quickly becoming an everyday tool for improving efficiency, strengthening public safety, enhancing customer service, and informing policy. As AI adoption accelerates, county leaders must balance innovation with responsible governance, ensuring these technologies are implemented thoughtfully, ethically, and securely.

 The 2026 MACo Fall Symposium will examine AI through the lens of local government. From successful county applications and public safety innovations to legal considerations and the evolving federal landscape, this one-day event will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to help Maryland counties confidently navigate the next generation of public service.

This is a MACo Members-Only Event: MACo Members are County Executives, County Commissioners, County Council Members and the employees of Maryland’s 24 county jurisdictions, including Baltimore City.

NonMembers:

  • may join the waitlist and will be invited to register for a fee of $95 if space remains by 9/10/26 – email aduncan@mdcounties.org to be added to the waitlist
  • may participate as sponsors or exhibitors – contact reginabz@mdcounties.org for details.

AGENDA:

  • 9:30 am – 9:45 am: Check-in and Coffee – Coffee and Beverages
  • 9:45 am – 10:00 am: Welcome and Introductions
  • 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Protecting Communities: AI in Public Safety
    Artificial intelligence is changing how public safety agencies prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. From enhancing emergency communications and analyzing crime trends to strengthening cybersecurity and supporting emergency management, AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for protecting communities. This session will explore how local governments are responsibly incorporating AI into public safety operations, the opportunities it presents, and the safeguards needed to maintain public trust.
  • 11:00 am – 11:15 am: Break
  • 11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Navigating AI: Legal, HR, and Governance
    As AI tools become more common in the workplace, counties must establish clear policies that encourage innovation while managing legal, ethical, and operational risks. This session will examine the evolving landscape of AI governance, including employee use policies, privacy and cybersecurity, public records, hiring and employment considerations, and responsible oversight. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for developing AI policies that protect counties while empowering employees to use emerging technologies effectively.
  • 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: AI in Action: County Success Stories
    Counties are moving beyond the AI hype and putting the technology to work in meaningful ways. Whether improving resident services, streamlining internal operations, reducing costs, or increasing staff capacity, local governments are finding practical applications that deliver real results. In this panel, county leaders will highlight innovative AI initiatives already making an impact in their communities. Speakers will share what they implemented, why they chose it, lessons learned, and advice for counties looking to begin or expand their own AI usage.
  • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: AI in Washington: Federal Policy and County Impacts
    Artificial intelligence is becoming a priority at the federal level, with new executive actions, agency guidance, funding opportunities, and legislative proposals shaping how local governments adopt and govern AI. Join policy experts for an update on the latest federal developments, emerging trends, and the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) work to help counties navigate this evolving landscape. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what federal actions could mean for county operations, cybersecurity, workforce development, and future investments in AI.
  • 3:00 pm: Adjournment

MACo Members: Log in to your Engagifii account and go to Events to register! Not sure if you have an account? Fill out this form.

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at this event? NonMembers may participate and attend as sponsors or exhibitors. Contact reginabz@mdcounties.org

Questions about content? Contact kanderson@mdcounties.org