Read more about the article NACo Brings Counties to Washington To Push for Federal Disaster Reform
County News / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues
NACo Brings Counties to Washington To Push for Federal Disaster Reform

County leaders are in Washington this week pushing for changes to federal disaster policy as storms, flooding, and extreme weather keep hitting local governments first and hardest. The National Association of Counties (NACo) brought county officials together for a leadership fly-in on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, through Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The group serves on NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, which focuses on fixing how federal, State, and local governments prepare for and respond…

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April 28, 2026
Read more about the article DOJ Moves to Loosen Cannabis Restrictions, Signals Shift Toward Rescheduling
Cannabis / Health and Human Services / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues
DOJ Moves to Loosen Cannabis Restrictions, Signals Shift Toward Rescheduling

The US Department of Justice announced a significant shift in federal cannabis policy, moving to loosen restrictions on certain cannabis products while advancing a broader effort to reclassify the drug under federal law. The action does not legalize cannabis nationwide. But it marks one of the most consequential federal moves in decades. It could reshape how the industry operates, particularly in states like Maryland that already allow medical and adult-use sales. As previously covered on…

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April 24, 2026
Read more about the article State Keeps Property Tax Rate Flat for Fiscal 2027
County News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
State Keeps Property Tax Rate Flat for Fiscal 2027

The Board of Public Works (BPW) voted this week to maintain the State property tax rate for fiscal 2027, keeping rates unchanged at 11.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for real property and 28.0 cents per $100 for public utility property. The three-member board approved the rates unanimously, following a recommendation from the Commission on State Debt. The State property tax supports debt service on general obligation bonds, which fund capital investments such as…

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April 23, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Disparity Grant Delivers Less Than It Promises
County Budgets / Policy Deep Dive / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Deep Dive: Disparity Grant Delivers Less Than It Promises

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. Maryland created the Disparity Grant to deal with a basic problem. Counties raise revenue very differently, even when they apply the same tax rates. Some generate far more at the same rate because of higher incomes, while others cannot keep up. The program still tries to address that gap. But…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article Major Issues & More – 90 Day Report Reviews the 2026 Legislative Session
County News / Feature / General Assembly News
Major Issues & More – 90 Day Report Reviews the 2026 Legislative Session

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services’ annual synopsis of the General Assembly’s time in Annapolis provides an update on taxes, education, energy, transportation, public safety, environmental, and health issues addressed in bills that passed – and didn’t pass – in the 2026 Session. As the Maryland Department of Legislative Services describes, the 90 Day Report is divided into 12 parts, each discussing a significant policy area. Each part contains a discussion of the majority of bills…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article USDA Designates Nine MD Counties as Drought Disaster Areas
Agriculture / County News / Emergency Management
USDA Designates Nine MD Counties as Drought Disaster Areas

Ongoing dry conditions during the growing season led the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to designate nine Maryland counties as drought disaster areas. Allegany, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Washington counties qualify for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Eligible farmers may apply for FSA emergency loans. The agency reviews each application based on the farm’s specific circumstances and needs. Farmers have eight months from the disaster designation…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Budget & Fiscal Issues
County News / MACo Testimony / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Budget & Fiscal Issues

The segments below provide an overview of MACo’s work on State budget policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. County governments depend on a wide range of State-funded programs to deliver essential services. Changes in the State budget — whether in funding formulas, cost sharing, or program structure — can have broad and immediate impacts on county budgets. MACo advocates for predictable funding, protects against unfunded mandates, and supports targeted enhancements that align with local…

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April 16, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues
Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony / Taxes and Revenues
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on tax policy in the 2026 General Assembly.  The General Assembly routinely considers changes to tax structures to spur economic growth, encourage certain activities, or attract and retain residents. Some proposals focus only on State taxes, while others extend to local revenues and directly affect county budgets. MACo supports local decision-making. Counties, led by elected officials accountable to their communities, make informed choices on local…

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April 16, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Finance
Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Finance

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on finance policy in the 2026 General Assembly. In the 2026 session, fiscal policy took center stage as the General Assembly faced slowing revenues, rising costs, and competing priorities across government. Budget constraints drove debates over tax policy, aid formulas, and funding commitments, with a sharper focus on how the State and local governments share costs and responsibilities. Maryland’s 448th legislative session opened with significant…

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April 15, 2026
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