From Risk to Resilience at #MACoCon

Maryland leaders examine the planning, financing, and local tools counties can use to strengthen community resilience.

Resilience planning increasingly requires counties to connect emergency management, infrastructure, climate preparedness, and long-term investment. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Delegate Michele Guyton moderated a discussion with state, county, and national leaders on how Maryland can move from resilience planning to implementation, including the financing, technical assistance, and coordination needed to advance projects that reduce risk and strengthen communities.

  • Rachel Lamb, Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy and International Affairs, Maryland Department of the Environment spoke about Maryland’s climate policy and cross-agency work, and how coordinated state and local action can help communities become more resilient to evolving climate risks.
  • Montgomery Council Member Dawn Luedtke and Montgomery County Green Bank CEO Stephen Morel discussed how local policy can expand the tools available to support resilience projects, including the use of public resources to help communities prepare for future risks.
  • Mike Hinson, Chief Resilience Officer, Maryland Department of Emergency Management spoke about Maryland’s resilience authorities and how stronger coordination can help communities prepare for flooding, extreme heat, fire, and other hazards.
  • Brett Mattson, Senior Legislative Director, Justice & Public Safety, NACo discussed the national county perspective to the resilience conversation, sharing how local governments across the country are preparing for hazards and strengthening community resilience.

For counties, building resilience depends on turning long-term strategies into practical investments that protect infrastructure, maintain essential services, and help communities prepare for future risks.