Read more about the article Montgomery Council Member Albornoz to Step Down, Council Sets Appointment Process
County News / News You Can Use
Montgomery Council Member Albornoz to Step Down, Council Sets Appointment Process

Montgomery County Council Member Gabe Albornoz announced plans to step down on December 1, prompting the Council to begin the formal process to appoint an interim at-large member to serve through the end of the current term. Montgomery County Council Member Gabe Albornoz announced that he will step down from the County Council effective Monday, December 1, 2025, concluding seven years of service as an at-large member and Chair of the Health and Human Services…

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October 16, 2025
Read more about the article Workgroup Endorses State-Funded, Statewide 3-1-1 System to Support County Services
County News / Emergency Management / Information Technology / News You Can Use
Workgroup Endorses State-Funded, Statewide 3-1-1 System to Support County Services

Maryland’s 3-1-1 Workgroup has approved a plan to launch a State-funded, AI-enabled nonemergency service system — a first-of-its-kind model designed to ease pressure on 9-1-1 centers, modernize customer service, and connect residents to help faster. Maryland’s 3-1-1 Workgroup has unanimously endorsed recommendations to establish the nation’s first statewide, AI-supported 3-1-1 platform — a significant step toward improving customer service, streamlining resident requests, and reducing the growing nonemergency workload on 9-1-1 centers. The Workgroup to Study…

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October 16, 2025
Read more about the article Counties Urge Swift End to Federal Shutdown
County News / Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Counties Urge Swift End to Federal Shutdown

The ongoing federal government shutdown is straining local economies and threatening essential services nationwide. Counties are urging a bipartisan solution to restore stability and protect the federal–state–local partnership that residents depend on. The National Association of Counties (NACo) this week issued a statement urging a swift, bipartisan resolution to the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that lapses in operations undermine critical partnerships that counties depend on to serve residents effectively. NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase…

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October 16, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Moore Names Jake Weissmann Acting Budget Secretary
News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Governor Moore Names Jake Weissmann Acting Budget Secretary

Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment of Yaakov “Jake” Weissmann as Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM), effective Tuesday, October 22. Weissmann succeeds outgoing Secretary Helene Grady and will lead the agency responsible for developing and managing the State’s operating and capital budgets, overseeing personnel and procurement policies, and ensuring long-term fiscal balance. "Jake Weissmann is an experienced public servant and one of the most effective policy minds in our…

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October 13, 2025
Read more about the article Howard County Steps Up Support for Federal Workers During Shutdown
Photos courtesy of Howard County
County News / NACo Achievement Awards / News You Can Use
Howard County Steps Up Support for Federal Workers During Shutdown

With federal paychecks on hold, Howard County is mobilizing a full range of local supports — from housing and food assistance to community and workforce resources — for affected workers. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced new measures to support residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Joined by US Representative Sarah Elfreth and county officials, County Executive Ball outlined a coordinated response to help federal workers and contractors facing missed paychecks. The County…

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October 7, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Launches No-Interest Loan Program for Federal Employees Working Without Pay
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Maryland Launches No-Interest Loan Program for Federal Employees Working Without Pay

As the federal government shutdown continues, Maryland has launched an emergency loan program to assist federal employees who are required to work without pay. Governor Wes Moore announced the Maryland Department of Labor’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program, now accepting applications from “excepted” federal workers — those required to continue working during the shutdown but not receiving paychecks. The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help cover essential expenses, such as rent, food,…

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October 7, 2025
Read more about the article Grant Freezes, Legal Fights, and Shifting Rules Deepen Turmoil for County Emergency Managers
County News / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues
Grant Freezes, Legal Fights, and Shifting Rules Deepen Turmoil for County Emergency Managers

Maryland’s county emergency managers face a rapidly shifting federal landscape as FEMA funding delays, new administrative requirements, and court-ordered restrictions converge. Recent federal actions have disrupted nearly every significant preparedness and performance grant stream — from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) to the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) — forcing states and counties to navigate an uncertain funding environment that complicates planning, reimbursement, and local readiness. Grant Awards Frozen Amid Legal and Administrative Turmoil…

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October 6, 2025
Read more about the article Fitch: Prolonged Federal Shutdown Could Pressure Public Finance Credits
Source: Maryland Department of Labor
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Fitch: Prolonged Federal Shutdown Could Pressure Public Finance Credits

Fitch Ratings cautions that while governments can manage a short shutdown, a lengthier disruption could ripple through housing, healthcare, higher education, transportation, local revenues, and economic growth — with potential negative credit consequences. Fitch Ratings released a new analysis this week, warning that a prolonged shutdown could erode public finance credit strength, straining budgets and weakening the long-term fiscal outlook for governments and nonprofits most reliant on federal support. A protracted shutdown could even trigger…

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October 2, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore City Strikes New $48M PILOT Deal with Hospitals and Universities
County Budgets / County News / Taxes and Revenues
Baltimore City Strikes New $48M PILOT Deal with Hospitals and Universities

Baltimore City has finalized new nonprofit assessment agreements with 14 major hospitals and universities, which will double annual payments to the City by the end of the term. Mayor Brandon Scott announced that beginning in FY 2027, Baltimore’s anchor institutions will phase in higher annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) — voluntary contributions made by tax-exempt nonprofits in recognition of the City services they rely on. Annual payments will grow from $6 million in…

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October 1, 2025
Read more about the article Prince George’s Leaders Respond as Federal Shutdown Hits
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Prince George’s Leaders Respond as Federal Shutdown Hits

With Washington at a standstill, Prince George’s County leaders are stepping up to shield residents from the immediate fallout of the federal shutdown. With the federal government officially shut down, Prince George’s County leaders are moving quickly to support residents caught in the fallout. County Executive Aisha Braveboy has directed personnel to deploy resources and coordinate with the County Council, the Moore–Miller Administration, and Maryland’s congressional delegation. The County is focusing on residents who are…

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October 1, 2025
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