Read more about the article #MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources
County News / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference
#MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources

In an era of fiscal constraints, Recreation and Parks departments across Maryland are embracing creative solutions to continue enhancing services and park amenities. At the 2024 Winter MACoCon a group of expert panelists dove into this topic. One of the most impactful approaches has been forming strategic collaborations with state, county, and private partners.  These partnerships not only ensure the growth of Maryland's park systems but also foster environmental conservation, public health, and community engagement.…

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December 19, 2024
Read more about the article Panel Talks Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism
County News / Economic Development / Parks and Recreation / Tourism / Winter Conference
Panel Talks Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism

Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) lead the way in showcasing all Maryland has to offer to our residents and visitors from other states. At MACo's Winter Conference, a distinguished panel highlighted the vital role of Maryland's DMOs in the state's economic growth. With a focus on innovative infrastructure projects and a strong commitment to enhancing visitor experiences, these organizations are helping elevate Maryland as a premier destination for residents and out-of-state travelers. The Honorable Jefferson…

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December 19, 2024
Read more about the article Risk Management Ensuring Service Continuity and Protecting Public Resources
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / Human Resources / Risk Management / Winter Conference
Risk Management Ensuring Service Continuity and Protecting Public Resources

In today's fast-paced world, public entities face numerous challenges in maintaining the services that citizens rely on every day.  From property damage and work-related injuries to liability claims and automobile accidents, every dollar spent on managing these issues is a dollar diverted away from crucial public services.  This is where effective risk management becomes essential. Risk management is not just about reacting to problems as they arise; it's a structured, proactive process that helps public…

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December 19, 2024
Read more about the article When Medical and Disability Leaves Collide, a FAMLI Discussion
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Summer Conference
When Medical and Disability Leaves Collide, a FAMLI Discussion

At MACo's Summer Conference an expert panel discussed the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system.  FAMLI will begin on July 1, 2026, and ensures that qualified workers in Maryland are able to take paid time away from work for up to 12 weeks.  The speaker panel included: Regan Vaughan, Director of Policy FAMLI Division, Maryland Department of Labor Kevin Karpinski, Managing Partner, Karpinski, Cornbrooks & Karp , P.A. Jessica Frier, Assistant Vice President,…

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August 22, 2024
Read more about the article Understanding County Financial Management Processes
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / Summer Conference
Understanding County Financial Management Processes

At MACo's Summer Conference, Ted Zaleski, Carroll County Director of Management and Budget shared an overview of county financial processes including the budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). To start the session, Director Zaleski defined the differences between the budget and the ACFR documents. Budgets are forward-looking financial plans, while the ACFR is the audited report of previous year data used to evaluate the jurisdiction's fiscal strengths and weaknesses. In reviewing the budget process,…

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August 22, 2024
Read more about the article A #MACoCon Discussion: Arts Amplify Tourism Opportunities
County News / Summer Conference / Tourism
A #MACoCon Discussion: Arts Amplify Tourism Opportunities

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel shared how to provide unique local experiences by connecting arts and tourism for both residents and visitors.  These programs offer immersive encounters to all that attend and provides for economic revitalization and community pride.   The speaker panel included: Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council Marie Nuthall, Plein Air Easton Coordinator, Avalon Foundation Kristen Pironis, Executive Director, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Kara Norman, Executive Director,…

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August 22, 2024
Read more about the article #MACoCon Tackles Open Meetings Act Compliance
County News / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Tackles Open Meetings Act Compliance

What is the Open Meetings Act? Maryland's Open Meetings Act is a "statute that requires many State and local public bodies to hold their meetings in public, to give the public adequate notice of those meetings, and to allow the public to inspect meetings minutes." At MACo's Summer Conference, Frank Johnson, Gaithersburg Deputy City Attorney and April Ishak, Ishak Law Firm detailed the steps that officials can take to comply with the law’s application to…

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August 22, 2024
Read more about the article Promote a Safer Maryland Through the Power of Partnerships
County News / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Promote a Safer Maryland Through the Power of Partnerships

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) provided an overview of grants for public safety initiatives to benefit counties.  These grants are an integral part of supplementing tight local budgets. The speaker panel included: Bethany Young, Director of Policy and Legislation Rich Alban, Assistant Director, Public Safety Strategies Brandi Cahn, Assistant Director, Justice Reinvestment Quentin Jones, Director, Criminal Justice Grants Programs James Rhoden, Assistant Director,…

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August 22, 2024
Read more about the article When Medical and Disability Leaves Collide
County News / Human Resources / Summer Conference
When Medical and Disability Leaves Collide

Maryland to launch the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) July 1, 2026. FAMLI provides eligible workers in Maryland paid time off from work to care for themselves or a family member.  Employers are working to understand and educate employees on how FAMLI intertwines with other federal and state job protected leave programs. Description: Public and private sector entities navigate daily the winding path of FMLA, ADA, WC, FAMLI, and Sick & Safe Leave,…

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August 7, 2024
Read more about the article NACo Awards: Spotlight on Montgomery County in Information Technology
County News / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards / Planning and Zoning / Risk Management
NACo Awards: Spotlight on Montgomery County in Information Technology

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards.  Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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July 18, 2024
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