State: Positivity Rate Under Two Percent, Other Metrics Improving

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland’s statewide COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped below 2% for the first time since March of last year. For the first time since the pandemic began, Maryland is reporting less than 200 new cases of COVID-19. The State is also reporting that 68.3% of Maryland adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, hospitalizations are declining, and today will be the first 'VaxCash' drawing. From the press…

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Howard Launches Digital Equity Initiative, Revamped County Website

This week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a new digital equity initiative to expand digital inclusion and increase broadband access for residents. The County aims to become a national model for digital inclusion. Through "Transform Howard," the County will take immediate steps to increase internet access in the area by expanding WiFi at public places like parks, libraries, and fire stations, providing devices for residents, and establishing an Office of Broadband and Digital Inclusion.…

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Carroll Launches New Series Highlighting County Operations

Today, Carroll County launched a new series of recorded presentations highlighting all thirteen departments and divisions. The presentations will be approximately 15 minutes and will help residents better understand and connect with their local government. The first presentation available now is from the Department of Management and Budget, led by Director Ted Zaleski. According to a press release: The presentations focus on major areas of Carroll County Government including management and budget, fire & emergency…

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May 19 Board of Public Works Meeting: What Counties Need to Know

The Board of Public Works (BPW) considered and approved the following requests and recommendations in its May 19, 2021 meeting. This is not a comprehensive list of all considerations and approvals during the meeting. Anne Arundel A request to certify matching funds and enter into grant agreements for grants totaling $100,000 to the Board of Directors of Anne Arundel Lodge, Inc. for the acquisition, planning, design, construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction, site improvement, and capital equipping…

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Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Available

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications through July 31, 2021 for the current Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program grant round.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides 50/50 matching grants to state and local governments to acquire or develop public outdoor recreational areas and facilities. The Department of the Interior has announced that the National Park Service (NPS) will distribute $150 million to local communities through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP)…

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Commissioner Fithian Recognized as a Chesapeake Bay Ambassador

This week Kent County Commissioner Ron Fithian was honored as a Chesapeake Bay Ambassador.  At a County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, May 18, Commissioner Ron Fithian was recognized as a Chesapeake Bay Ambassador for his efforts to promote the health and sustainability of the Bay. Captain Newberry of the Kent County Waterman’s Association was joined by George O’Donnell from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chip MacLeod, MacLeod Law Group, and family members to present…

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Charles Adopts Budget Prioritizing Core Services, Education, Criminal Justice Reform

This week the Board of County Commissioners finalized a balanced General Fund budget. The total proposed budget is $450,350,300, an increase of 3.9 percent over last year. The adopted budget protects County Government core services, exceeds maintenance of effort funding for public schools, and preserves necessary operations for the Sheriff’s Office. “Despite a continued challenging budget outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we prioritized education, public health and safety, and maintaining our core services to…

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Howard Unveils New Strategies to Boost Affordable Housing

Yesterday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball released the completed Housing Opportunities Master Plan (HOMP) and announced new affordable housing initiatives. Affordable housing is in short supply across Maryland, and Howard County is no exception. This week the County unveiled several strategies to increase home ownership for low to moderate income families. The County's new Housing Opportunities Master Plan, a product of a task force that included public outreach, outlines challenges and solutions to increasing the…

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Local Solar Survey Deadline Extended

The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) and Maryland Environmental Service (MES) have extended their solar survey deadline by one week. Get your responses in now! MCEC and MES have teamed up to gauge interest in future solar projects at the county and municipal level. With federal and state funding anticipated in the future to support implementation of these measures, the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) & the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) want to be prepared to help local communities…

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Worcester Names New Budget Officer

Yesterday, the Worcester County Commissioners announced the appointment of Candace Savage as the new budget officer. Savage has previously served in a number of roles including most recently as agency budget specialist with the Wicomico County Health Department. She will bring 16 years of accounting experience to Worcester County Government. “I would like to thank the Commissioners for this opportunity,” Savage said. “I hope to use my accounting and business background to promote fiscal responsibility…

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