Read more about the article New Grant Opportunity Expands Maryland’s “Food is Medicine” Efforts
Health and Human Services
New Grant Opportunity Expands Maryland’s “Food is Medicine” Efforts

Maryland is expanding its "Food is Medicine" strategy with a new funding opportunity aimed at improving nutrition and food access in communities with the greatest need. According to a press release from the Office of Governor Wes Moore, Governor Moore announced a $10 million grant program to expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Marylanders living with chronic health conditions while addressing food insecurity in communities with high rates of childhood poverty. The new…

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July 9, 2026
Read more about the article Research Finds AI Is Changing Jobs More Than Eliminating Them
Information Technology / Labor
Research Finds AI Is Changing Jobs More Than Eliminating Them

Artificial intelligence has become an easy target as hiring slows and job seekers face a more competitive market, but new research suggests the technology is not the primary reason for today's employment challenges. As covered in a Baltimore Banner article, a collaborative study led by researchers at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business analyzed 155 million US job postings between 2018 and 2025 and found no evidence that AI is reducing…

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July 8, 2026
Read more about the article Tick Activity Surges Nationwide
Health and Human Services
Tick Activity Surges Nationwide

Health officials are urging increased vigilance this summer as tick activity rises across much of the country, bringing a greater risk of tick-borne diseases. According to an article from Maryland Matters, tick season is off to an unusually active start in 2026, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting the highest number of emergency department visits for tick bites in April since 2017. Visits have remained elevated through May and June. From…

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July 8, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Advances Rural Health Investments Amid Federal Medicaid Changes
County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Maryland Advances Rural Health Investments Amid Federal Medicaid Changes

Federal funding is creating opportunities to strengthen health care access and workforce capacity in Maryland's rural communities. In a WYPR article, Maryland is moving quickly to invest more than $168 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funding aimed at expanding access to care, strengthening the rural health workforce, and improving healthy food access in communities across the state. The funding, authorized through the federal reconciliation package known as HR 1 is intended to help states…

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July 6, 2026
Read more about the article Assets That Drive Tourism & Economic Growth at #MACoCon
Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism
Assets That Drive Tourism & Economic Growth at #MACoCon

Sometimes the best way to grow tourism is not by building something new, but by making stronger connections to the assets already in place. Tourism is an important economic driver for counties, supporting local businesses, generating tax revenue, and helping communities showcase the places, experiences, and industries that make them unique. While marquee attractions often draw attention, many of Maryland's tourism successes are built around existing assets that connect visitors to communities in new ways.…

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July 6, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Expands Supportive Housing Program for Medicaid Participants
County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development
Maryland Expands Supportive Housing Program for Medicaid Participants

Stable housing can be a key factor in improving health outcomes, and Maryland is expanding a Medicaid program designed to help more residents achieve both. In a WYPR article, the Maryland Department of Health is expanding its Assistance in Community Integration Services program, adding 1,070 participant spaces to help more Medicaid recipients experiencing or at risk of homelessness access stable housing and healthcare support. The program serves Medicaid participants with at least two chronic health…

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July 2, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Significantly Reduces SNAP Payment Error Rate
County News / Health and Human Services
Maryland Significantly Reduces SNAP Payment Error Rate

After posting one of the nation's highest SNAP payment error rates just a few years ago, Maryland has made substantial progress. New federal data show the state has reduced payment errors by nearly two-thirds since 2022. As reported in a Baltimore Sun article, Maryland has reduced its error rate in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The state's payment error rate fell in federal fiscal year 2025, continuing a steady improvement from 2024. SNAP,…

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July 2, 2026
Read more about the article Research Examines Data Center Job Creation
Economic Development / Energy / Labor / Summer Conference
Research Examines Data Center Job Creation

Data centers can bring significant investment to a community, but permanent job creation may depend on the type of facility being built. A Governing article encourages local governments to take a close look at projected employment benefits before approving projects or negotiating incentive agreements. From the article: The large facilities most often pitched to communities under financial pressure are colocation centers — essentially landlord operations that rent space, power and cooling to multiple tenants who bring…

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July 2, 2026
Read more about the article MD Released Proposed Emergency Regs for the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund
Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
MD Released Proposed Emergency Regs for the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund

Proposed emergency regulations for Maryland's Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund offer counties long-awaited guidance on how cannabis tax revenue can support local priorities. The Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM), through its Office of Social Equity (OSE), has released proposed emergency regulations for the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), providing counties with additional guidance for how cannabis tax revenue can be used to support local priorities. Created under the Cannabis Reform Act…

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June 30, 2026
Read more about the article Building the Future of Rural Health in Maryland at #MACoCon
County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Building the Future of Rural Health in Maryland at #MACoCon

Maryland's rural communities are transforming healthcare through new partnerships, innovative care models, and federal investment. Rural communities face persistent healthcare challenges, including provider shortages, longer travel distances for care, higher rates of chronic disease, and limited access to specialty services. These barriers can make it more difficult for residents to receive affordable care. Recognizing these challenges, federal, state, and local leaders are making significant investments to strengthen rural healthcare systems and improve long-term health outcomes.…

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June 30, 2026
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