Read more about the article Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon
Tommy Royther
Economic Development / MACo Events / News You Can Use / Tourism / Winter Conference
Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, county leaders and partners examined how infrastructure investments can drive tourism growth while supporting residents and long-term economic vitality. The session focused on how counties plan projects that strengthen local economies, protect natural assets, and remain viable as climate conditions and travel patterns change. Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton moderated the discussion and guided a wide-ranging conversation during “If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article Rising Costs, Shrinking Dollars: Counties Confront School Construction Gaps at #MACoCon
Robbie Sandlass
County News / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Winter Conference
Rising Costs, Shrinking Dollars: Counties Confront School Construction Gaps at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, county leaders and education finance experts examined the widening gap between school construction costs and available funding across Maryland. The discussion focused on how inflation, material and labor pressures, and the phaseout of temporary funding sources have left counties carrying more risk as they work to deliver safe, modern classrooms. Queen Anne’s County Commissioner and 2025 MACo President Jack Wilson moderated the session and guided a focused discussion during “The…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery Council Appoints Shebra Evans to At-Large Seat
Shebra Evans (photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Council).
County News / News You Can Use
Montgomery Council Appoints Shebra Evans to At-Large Seat

The Montgomery County Council appointed Shebra Evans to fill the at-large seat previously held by Gabe Albornoz, who resigned earlier this month. Evans will serve through December 1, 2026. Evans previously served eight years on the Montgomery County Board of Education. She focused on education, workforce development, and long-range fiscal planning, and served twice as board president. “Shebra Evans will bring outstanding civic and professional experience to the Council as an at-large member, and we…

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December 10, 2025
Read more about the article Special Session Will Choose New House Speaker, Consider Veto Overrides
Feature / General Assembly News
Special Session Will Choose New House Speaker, Consider Veto Overrides

Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis on Tuesday, December 16, for a special session called to elect a new Speaker of the House of Delegates. The session follows Speaker Adrienne Jones’ decision to step down after more than six years in the role. Governor Wes Moore issued the order earlier this week. The House Democratic Caucus will meet that morning to select its nominee, and the whole chamber will vote later that day. House Health…

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December 10, 2025
Read more about the article Cecil Completes Successful Bond Sale, Affirms Strong Credit Ratings
County News / Finance and Procurement
Cecil Completes Successful Bond Sale, Affirms Strong Credit Ratings

Cecil County issued $49.6 million in Public Improvement Bonds to advance projects in the County’s adopted Capital Improvement Plan. The funding supports emergency services, law enforcement, Cecil College, public schools, libraries, significant public works, and roadway improvements. In addition, Moody’s reaffirmed its Aa1 rating and Standard & Poor’s affirmed its AA+ rating, both with stable outlooks. The ratings agencies pointed to healthy reserves, strong liquidity, conservative budgeting, and long-term financial planning. They also noted the…

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December 8, 2025
Read more about the article Frederick Exec Fitzwater Moves to Lock In Fare-Free Transit
County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, County Council Vice President Kavonté Duckett, County Council Member Renee Knapp, and City of Frederick Council Member Kelly Russell announce proposed recordation tax funding for fare-free transit.
County News / Taxes and Revenues
Frederick Exec Fitzwater Moves to Lock In Fare-Free Transit

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced legislation that dedicates a portion of the County’s recordation tax revenue to Transit Services of Frederick County. The proposal keeps the County’s local bus system fare-free after federal pandemic support ends. Transit Services began fare-free operations during the pandemic using CARES Act funding. Ridership climbed, and the fare-free approach improved access to work, education, health care, and daily services. The federal funds end in June 2026. County Executive Fitzwater…

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December 8, 2025
Read more about the article Historic Tenure Ending as Speaker Jones Steps Aside
Feature / General Assembly News
Historic Tenure Ending as Speaker Jones Steps Aside

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones this week announced that she is stepping down after more than six years in the role. Jones made history as the first woman and first Black legislator to serve as Speaker, and her tenure shaped some of the most consequential policy debates in recent memory. The announcement came during a meeting of House committee chairs in Annapolis. Jones did not attend the meeting but released a written statement saying her…

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December 5, 2025
Read more about the article SDAT Proposes New Regs for Woodland Ag Assessments
Agriculture / County Budgets / County News / Taxes and Revenues
SDAT Proposes New Regs for Woodland Ag Assessments

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) has proposed changes to the agricultural use assessment for woodland, now published in the Maryland Register. Maryland’s agricultural use assessment assigns a lower assessed value to farmland and qualifying woodland than to market-rate property. The goal is to keep land in active farm or forestry use. The draft regulation states that woodland must include at least five contiguous acres to qualify. Additionally, landowners cannot combine smaller parcels…

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December 4, 2025
Read more about the article Garrett Boosts 9-1-1 Readiness With Unified Emergency Communications
County News / Emergency Management / Public Safety and Corrections
Garrett Boosts 9-1-1 Readiness With Unified Emergency Communications

Garrett County bolstered its emergency response system by moving 9-1-1 communications under the Emergency Management Division and relocating operations to the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This shift improves coordination across law enforcement, fire, and EMS while reinforcing system reliability during high-demand incidents. County 9-1-1 specialists now answer all emergency calls from the EOC and gather essential information for responders. They hold national medical, fire, and police dispatch certifications, which enable them to provide callers…

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December 2, 2025
Read more about the article Preview the 2026 Session “Big Picture”
County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Winter Conference
Preview the 2026 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This resource is a handy guide to the top issues your legislators will tackle in 2026. It is an excellent preparation document for county officials before meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services, the 2026 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also an excellent resource for county officials…

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December 2, 2025
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