Read more about the article New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers
Education / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers

Maryland has launched a new mortgage program offering lower interest rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who work as first responders or teachers. Applications for the new program are now open. The First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program offers eligible buyers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate 0.5 percentage points below the standard Maryland Mortgage Program First Time Advantage 5% loan. Buyers can also receive assistance equal to 5%…

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September 9, 2026
Read more about the article Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Delays New Federal Grant Rules
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Delays New Federal Grant Rules

Last week, Congress approved a short-term spending bill that keeps the federal government funded through December 11 while delaying a sweeping rewrite of federal grant rules. The delay gives counties additional time before the proposed changes to federal grant administration can take effect. The US House passed the Senate version of the continuing resolution on September 1 by a 370-48 vote, following the Senate’s 90-6 vote in August. President Trump signed the measure into law,…

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September 9, 2026
Read more about the article MD Supreme Court Clears Redistricting Question for November Ballot
Elections / General Assembly News / News You Can Use
MD Supreme Court Clears Redistricting Question for November Ballot

The Supreme Court of Maryland has cleared a proposed congressional redistricting amendment for the November ballot, overturning two circuit court rulings that would have blocked the measure. The Court found the ballot language approved by the General Assembly misleading but ordered revised language, ending weeks of uncertainty as State and local election administrators move deeper into preparations for the November 3 general election. The divided Court issued its order Thursday evening after hearing arguments earlier…

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September 4, 2026
Read more about the article Local Revenue Task Force Sets Public Hearing: Here’s How To Testify
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Local Revenue Task Force Sets Public Hearing: Here’s How To Testify

County governments, local leaders, residents, and other stakeholders have a chance to weigh in directly as Maryland considers the future of local revenue flexibility. The Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Structures will hold a virtual public hearing on September 14, with registration and written testimony due September 10. The hearing comes as the Task Force examines whether Maryland’s local revenue structure still works for local governments. Counties face growing responsibilities and rising…

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September 2, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick Secures $110M Community Benefits Agreement for Data Center Campus
County Budgets / County News / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning
Frederick Secures $110M Community Benefits Agreement for Data Center Campus

Frederick County has negotiated more than $110 million in developer-funded community investments tied to the Frederick Digital Campus, along with changes aimed at reducing the impact of the already-approved data center development on surrounding communities. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the agreement September 1 with Catellus, the campus’s master developer. Catellus will reduce planned data center development by nearly 20%, cut potable water use by 80% once its reclaimed water system comes online, and preserve…

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September 2, 2026
Read more about the article MDOT Unveils $22B Transportation Plan as Local Road Funding Cliff Looms
County Budgets / County News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
MDOT Unveils $22B Transportation Plan as Local Road Funding Cliff Looms

Maryland’s draft six-year transportation plan approaches $22 billion, with significant investments across the transportation network. But for counties and municipalities, the plan also confirms a looming funding cliff, with Highway User Revenues dropping by nearly $100 million in fiscal 2028. The Maryland Department of Transportation's draft fiscal 2027-2032 Consolidated Transportation Program lays out $21.93 billion in capital spending over six years. The CTP serves as Maryland's capital budget for transportation projects and local transportation funding.…

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September 2, 2026
Read more about the article Revenue Task Force Weighs Options for Modernizing Local Revenues
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
Revenue Task Force Weighs Options for Modernizing Local Revenues

The Local Revenue Task Force met Monday to review potential options for modernizing local revenue structures. Members examined existing taxing authority, previous legislative proposals, and several approaches that could give counties and municipalities more flexibility. The Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Structures met Monday to work through the mechanics behind Maryland’s local revenue system. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) reviewed State aid, the State budget, existing local taxing authority, recent legislation,…

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August 31, 2026
Read more about the article MD Supreme Court To Decide Fate of Redistricting Ballot Question
Courts / Elections
MD Supreme Court To Decide Fate of Redistricting Ballot Question

The Supreme Court of Maryland will decide whether a proposed congressional redistricting amendment can appear on the November ballot after two circuit court judges separately ruled against the measure. The first appeal is set for Thursday, September 3, as the State Board of Elections prepares to begin printing ballots. Last week, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Robert J. Thompson ruled that the General Assembly failed to comply with State election law when it passed…

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August 31, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Appeals Court Clarifies Tax Sale Redemption Rules
County News / Housing and Community Development / Taxes and Revenues
Maryland Appeals Court Clarifies Tax Sale Redemption Rules

The Appellate Court of Maryland has clarified which unpaid taxes and water bills must be paid when an owner seeks to redeem a property sold at tax sale, providing new guidance for local governments that administer the process. In an August 26 decision, the court held that property taxes accruing after a tax sale must be paid at redemption only if they are already in arrears. The court also held that unpaid water charges may…

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August 31, 2026
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