Read more about the article Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities
Business Affairs / Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities

As Maryland continues implementing the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), counties are seeking timely updates and answers to questions about the fund’s regulations, eligible uses, and how the resources can support local communities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity,” Senator Antonio Hayes moderated a discussion on updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations,…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets
Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism
Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets

Transportation networks, tourism assets, and regional partnerships are helping Maryland counties strengthen local economies by connecting visitors to destinations in new ways. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Connecting Visitors to Maryland: Transportation, Tourism, & Regional Growth,” Senator Mike McKay moderated a discussion on how counties can leverage existing assets, including airports, railroads, tourism destinations, and regional collaborations, to increase visitation, encourage longer stays, and support economic development. Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Counties Explore Strategies To Safeguard Older Adults From AI
County News / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Summer Conference
Counties Explore Strategies To Safeguard Older Adults From AI

At MACo's Summer Conference, panelists discussed AI-enabled scams, digital literacy, consumer protections, and strategies state and local leaders can use to help older adults safely navigate emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, counties are increasingly confronting both the opportunities and risks these technologies present for residents such as older adults. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Preparing Communities for AI Risks Facing Older Adults,” Delegate Shetty moderated a discussion…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Communication as a Tool for Better Environmental Health
County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Communication as a Tool for Better Environmental Health

Clear communication is a critical tool for environmental health professionals working at the intersection of public health, regulatory compliance, and customer service. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Better Communication, Stronger Environmental Health,” Delegate Kris Fair moderated a discussion on how environmental health agencies, regulators, and stakeholders can build trust, improve responsiveness, and navigate complex issues while maintaining public health and environmental standards. Les Knapp, Deputy Director of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Implementing Eric’s ID Law Across Maryland Communities
County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Implementing Eric’s ID Law Across Maryland Communities

MACo Summer Conference panelists discussed implementation of Eric’s ID Law, highlighting the role of training, coordination, and local partnerships in supporting effective interactions between first responders and individuals with nonapparent disabilities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Eric’s ID Law: From Policy to Practice,” moderated by Delegate Kym Taylor, speakers examined the implementation of Maryland’s new voluntary designation for individuals with nonapparent developmental or intellectual disabilities on driver’s licenses and identification cards. Linda Carpenter-Grantham…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland in 50 Years and Beyond: Planning for the Long View
State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Summer Conference
Maryland in 50 Years and Beyond: Planning for the Long View

Planning for the next budget cycle is a necessity, but planning for the next generation may be even more important. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Maryland in 50 Years and Beyond,” Delegate Lorig Charkoudian moderated a discussion on the long-term decisions that will shape Maryland’s future and the role state and county leaders play in preparing communities for decades to come. The conversation examined how local and state leaders can balance today’s challenges…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article AI Chatbots Raise New Opportunities and New Questions for Counties
Information Technology / Summer Conference
AI Chatbots Raise New Opportunities and New Questions for Counties

As counties explore chatbot technology, the conversation is increasingly focused on how to deploy these tools responsibly while maintaining public trust. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “To Bot or Not To Bot? The Promise and Panic of Chatbots,” panelists examined how counties are using or evaluating chatbot technology to support government operations and improve access to information. Moderated by Delegate Melissa Wells, the discussion focused on the practical applications of chatbots in local…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Federal Court Blocks FBI Headquarters Move, Reinstates Greenbelt Plan
Proposed FBI headquarters at the Greenbelt Metro site in Prince George’s County (Image courtesy of Prince George’s County)
County News / Economic Development / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Federal Court Blocks FBI Headquarters Move, Reinstates Greenbelt Plan

A federal judge has overturned the federal government's decision to relocate the future FBI headquarters to downtown Washington, DC, reviving Greenbelt as the leading site for the long-planned project. As covered in a Maryland Matters article, in a ruling issued on August 17, US District Judge Theodore Chuang found that the FBI and General Services Administration (GSA) acted unlawfully when they abandoned the previously selected Greenbelt site in favor of the Ronald Reagan Building in…

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August 18, 2026
Read more about the article New State Survey Highlights Gains in Youth Health
County News / Health and Human Services
New State Survey Highlights Gains in Youth Health

Maryland's latest youth health survey offers encouraging signs of progress while underscoring the continued need for strong behavioral health services and prevention efforts. New survey data from the Maryland Department of Health show encouraging improvements in several key indicators of youth health, including declines in tobacco and cannabis use and fewer students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. However, the data points to continued concerns around bullying, dating violence, and the impact of social…

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August 6, 2026
Read more about the article Senate Continuing Resolution Delays OMB Grant Rule
County News / NACo and Federal Issues
Senate Continuing Resolution Delays OMB Grant Rule

A key provision in the Senate's FY 2027 Continuing Resolution would temporarily block the Office of Management and Budget from finalizing its proposed Uniform Guidance rule, preserving stability for counties while advocacy efforts continue. The US Senate's Fiscal Year 2027 Continuing Resolution includes language preventing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing its proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance through December 11. The provision also closes a potential loophole that could have allowed OMB…

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August 6, 2026
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