Information Technology Archives

Howard County Expands Free Wi-Fi Network at Columbia Lakefront

Years of investment in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion continue to reshape connectivity across Howard County. Howard County is continuing to expand broadband access and digital inclusion efforts, with new free public Wi-Fi now available at the Columbia Lakefront. The expansion increases access to Howard County's public Wi-Fi network, which now includes 118 locations at parks, libraries, community centers, senior centers, and other public facilities throughout the county. From the press release: Access to the…

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June 18, 2026

County Budgets / County Government and Structure / County News / Economic Development / Education / Energy / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Conduit Street Podcast: Different States, Similar County Challenges

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko and Kevin Kinnally record from the Conference of Southern County Associations (CSCA) in Williamsburg, Virginia, joined by county leaders and policy experts from across the South for a discussion on the issues shaping local government today. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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June 12, 2026

Information Technology

Governor Moore Appoints Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible AI

Governor Wes Moore announced Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the State of Maryland. According to the Office of Governor Moore, Maryland will expand its efforts to deploy artificial intelligence responsibly across government operations, with Governor Wes Moore announcing Michael Boyce as the State's new Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence. In this role, Boyce will advise the Governor, the Department of Information Technology, and Maryland's AI Subcabinet as the…

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June 11, 2026

Agriculture / Broadband / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development

Rural Maryland Council Seeks Input on Community Needs and Priorities

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to participate in a survey to help shape future investments and policy priorities for rural communities across the state. The survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help inform RMC's legislative advocacy efforts, program priorities, and future funding decisions. Feedback will also support planning for the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund and two key grant programs: the Maryland Agricultural…

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June 11, 2026

Cyber / Information Technology

Federal Bill Could Restore Free Cybersecurity Services for Local Govs

A new federal proposal from US Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) aims to restore and strengthen cybersecurity support for state and local governments through renewed funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). In a recent article from Government Technology, the proposed federal Guaranteeing Universal Access to Cybersecurity Act would provide $50 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027 to support the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), a program operated by the…

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June 11, 2026

Information Technology / Policy Deep Dive / Public Information and Ethics

Deep Dive: Beyond the ADA Digital Accessibility Deadline

In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a clarifying decision finalizing updated regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 2024 final rule formally adopts the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the minimum accessibility standard for public-facing digital content maintained by state and local governments. Background Since its enactment in 1990, the ADA has served as a fundamental civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities from…

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June 10, 2026

Information Technology

Federal Executive Order Expands Cybersecurity Efforts

While primarily focused on federal agencies and technology developers, a new executive order contains provisions that could benefit local governments. Among them are expanded cybersecurity services and workforce initiatives. A new federal executive order directs federal agencies to strengthen cybersecurity defenses across critical infrastructure sectors, with particular attention to the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI systems. As covered in an article from NACo, the order is primarily aimed at federal agencies and technology…

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June 4, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

New Innovation Hub Strengthens Charles County Defense Corridor

A new advanced manufacturing and defense technology project is taking shape in Charles County as partners broke ground on the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub, a facility expected to support research, production, and workforce growth tied to the region's defense sector. The project is being developed through a partnership between the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI), the Energetics Technology Center, and local and federal stakeholders. The initiative is backed by a $50 million award…

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June 4, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Feature / General Assembly News / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

The Briefing Room Ep 4: The Data Center Dilemma

In Episode 4 of The Briefing Room, we continue our five-part energy series with a closer look at one of the fastest-growing and most controversial issues facing state and local governments: data centers. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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June 2, 2026

Broadband / Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

Carroll County Broadband Infrastructure Project Earns National Recognition

Carroll County’s long-running effort to expand broadband infrastructure is drawing national attention, with its Public Network project receiving a 2026 Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect. The recognition highlights projects from around the world that demonstrate innovation in technology and infrastructure, and, in Carroll County’s case, reflects nearly two decades of investment in building a countywide fiber network. Carroll County’s Public Network (CCPN) is a middle-mile fiber network designed to support high-capacity broadband across…

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April 30, 2026