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
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Elections
County News / Elections / MACo Testimony
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Elections

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on election policy in the 2026 General Assembly.  Administering elections is a core responsibility of county governments requiring careful coordination of polling locations, election workers, and secure systems to ensure every Marylander can participate in a fair and accessible process. Counties serve on the front lines of election administration, translating state policy into real-world operations every two years. Through its elections advocacy, MACo supports policies…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Emergency Services
Emergency Management / MACo Testimony
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Emergency Services

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy in emergency services policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Emergency services are a cornerstone of county government, encompassing fire and rescue operations, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1 call centers that residents rely on in moments of crisis. Counties are on the frontlines of these efforts, coordinating rapid response systems and disaster preparedness across diverse communities. Through its advocacy, MACo works to secure sustainable funding,…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article MACo: SB 255 Creates Misaligned Incentives and County Risks
Elections / MACo Testimony
MACo: SB 255 Creates Misaligned Incentives and County Risks

On April 1, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted written testimony to the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in opposition to SB 255 – Voting Rights Act of 2026 - Counties and Municipal Corporations. This bill creates a new State-law cause of action to challenge local election systems, exposing counties to significant litigation risk, costs, and court-ordered changes, without clear guardrails or a defined role for local governments in resolving concerns before litigation. While counties remain…

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April 9, 2026
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