Read more about the article Integrating Technology in the Classroom Must Be Handled With Caution and Pragmatism
Education / Summer Conference
Integrating Technology in the Classroom Must Be Handled With Caution and Pragmatism

Tempering expectations for educational outcomes is recommended when integrating new digital learning tools in school systems.  During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "I, Teacher...Education in the Virtual Age," audience members learned about the ways technology and artificial intelligence are being integrated into school systems across Maryland as well as the pitfalls, safeguards, and benefits of new technology for learning. Erin Senior from the Maryland State Department of Education spoke about policies and guidance that…

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August 18, 2026
Read more about the article Judges and Local Experts Unpack Legal Changes Impacting Counties In Maryland
Courts / Government Liability and Courts / Summer Conference
Judges and Local Experts Unpack Legal Changes Impacting Counties In Maryland

Between US Supreme Court decisions and outcomes and initiatives of the state courts in Maryland, county governments have a number of issues to track across a shifting legal landscape.   During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "Beyond the Bench: Legal Shifts Shaping Local Government," speakers helped county officials and other stakeholders understand what legal changes have taken place at both the federal and state level that county officials need to be aware of. Representatives from…

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August 18, 2026
Read more about the article Immigration Enforcement Session Focuses On State Efforts and Local Compliance
Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Immigration Enforcement Session Focuses On State Efforts and Local Compliance

State agencies are making a big effort to help local governments and residents understand immigration law amidst federal changes in policies at #MACoCon.  During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "Immigration Policy Shifts Across All Levels of Government," speakers helped county officials and other stakeholders understand what has changed at both the federal, state, and local level where immigration enforcement is concerned. State representatives from the Governor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Office of…

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August 18, 2026
Read more about the article Federal Judge Blocks NY Law Banning Masks for ICE Officers
Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Federal Judge Blocks NY Law Banning Masks for ICE Officers

In a recent decision, a federal judge, and Obama appointee, struck down a New York law banning face coverings for federal agents and a requirement to wear visible identification. A federal judge has temporarily blocked portions of New York's law restricting how federal immigration officers conduct enforcement operations while allowing another key provision to remain in effect. In an August 3 preliminary injunction, US District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino ruled that New York may not…

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August 6, 2026
Read more about the article Garrett County Commissioners Add Nearly $2M in Discretionary Funds for School System
County Budgets / Education
Garrett County Commissioners Add Nearly $2M in Discretionary Funds for School System

Recent budget approvals in Garrett see a $4M increase in school operating funds from the county government, including nearly $2M above the statutory requirement.  The Board of County Commissioners in Garrett approved a budget of $38,405,016 for the FY27 operating expenses of Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS). This is about $1.8M more than the state mandated requirement for FY27 and just shy of $4M more than the prior year. This brings the total increase over…

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August 5, 2026
Read more about the article Nearly $4.8M Goes to Counties This Week from the Board of Public Works
Board of Public Works / County Budgets
Nearly $4.8M Goes to Counties This Week from the Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works approved just shy of $4.8M for county projects this week including watershed improvements and enhancements for outdoor recreation.  Three counties this week were granted funding approvals by the Maryland Board of Public Works for various projects. $3.7M came from Program Open Space funding and is to be distributed to Prince George's and Washington. Prince George's received the primary share of that allocation with $3.6M coming their way, and $150K going…

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August 5, 2026
Read more about the article Immigration Policy Shifts Across All Levels of Government at #MACoCon
Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Immigration Policy Shifts Across All Levels of Government at #MACoCon

Immigration polices at the local, state, and federal level have been evolving rapidly with residents and government officials seeking clarity on protocols in Maryland.  County officials are increasingly navigating the local impacts of a rapidly changing immigration landscape, even as many of the key policy decisions are being made at the federal and state levels. This session will provide a timely, nonpartisan overview of the latest developments and help officials understand how federal enforcement actions,…

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August 4, 2026
Read more about the article Baltimore County Posts Another Record Year for Education Funding
County Budgets / Education
Baltimore County Posts Another Record Year for Education Funding

For the coming fiscal year, the Baltimore County Council and Executive approved another billion dollar budget for Baltimore County Public Schools saving more than 144 positions that were in danger of being cut.  The FY27 budget allocation for the Baltimore County Board of Education operating expenses was approved by the County Council in late May and totals $1,035,771,751. This is about $30M over the prior year allocation of $1,006,619,953 and $50M over the amount required…

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July 30, 2026
Read more about the article Report Shows US Crime Continues to Fall as Maryland Sees Similar Trends
Public Safety and Corrections
Report Shows US Crime Continues to Fall as Maryland Sees Similar Trends

A new mid-year analysis from the Council on Criminal Justice finds that crime continues to decline across many major US cities, a trend that broadly mirrors improving public safety indicators in Maryland. The Council on Criminal Justice’s mid-year 2026 analysis finds that the broad decline in crime seen nationally in 2025 has continued into 2026. Across the 36 large US cities examined, nine of 13 crime categories declined, with homicides down 18 percent compared with…

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July 29, 2026
Read more about the article Somerset County Increases Discretionary School Funding for FY27 by Almost $1M
County Budgets / Education
Somerset County Increases Discretionary School Funding for FY27 by Almost $1M

For the FY27 budget the Somerset Board of County Commissioners approved just over $13M of local government funds for the local school systems operating budget.  In an early summer vote by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners, county leadership approved an appropriation of $13,065,071 to the Somerset Board of Education for FY27. This is just shy of a $1M increase over the prior year budget of $12,100,404 and is considered the maintenance of effort (MOE)…

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July 28, 2026
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