MACo Staff, Author at Conduit Street

New Harford County Tourism Funding Model Seeks to Encourage Overnight Stays

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly announced a new tourism funding model last week. The County will begin offering funds to entities that promote visits lasting longer than a day, rather than providing tourism grant money to individual tourism-related organizations, as it has in the past, without regard for the impact those grants have on hotel stays. “Increasing overnight stays in Harford County is a key component to leveraging tourism to support Harford’s economy and small…

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April 11, 2023

County News

Governor Appoints First Secretary of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation

Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment of Paul Monteiro as first secretary of the newly created Department of Service and Civic Innovation. “Paul’s nomination is the result of a months-long, nationwide search to find someone with the vision, the experience, the integrity, and the skill to unleash the full potential of this new department.” said Governor Moore. “Service breaks down differences creating uncommon bonds. With Paul’s leadership, this first of its kind department will inspire our youth…

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April 11, 2023

County News

Howard County Launches Interactive Map to Help Residents Locate Food Resources

The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) has developed an interactive Food Connection Map to assist residents in locating food resources available throughout the County. This map was created by the Howard County Health Department as part of the LHIC Food Security Committee's goal to increase access to and awareness of culturally appropriate, accessible, affordable, and nutritious food to decrease food and nutrition insecurity among Howard County residents. “This convenient and easy to use…

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April 11, 2023

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Nationwide and NACo College Scholarship Opportunity

Throughout their decades of partnership, Nationwide and NACo have remained committed to helping families plan for retirement and the future. The NACo/Nationwide scholarship essay contest is an educational opportunity for high school students transitioning into a new stage of their lives. To get them started, Nationwide will award four college scholarships – each worth $2,500 – to four high school seniors whose parents or grandparents participate in a NACo Deferred Compensation 457 plan. Engaging young…

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April 10, 2023

Emergency Management

Bipartisan Legislation Reintroduced to Fund Next Generation 911 Systems

Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2023 legislation, introduced at the end of March by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), seeks to modernize aging 911 systems across the nation to Next-Generation 911 technology . If enacted, this bill would authorize and establish a $15 billion Next Generation 911 Implementation grant program through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to transition the nation’s 911 call centers away from analog-based technology and provide for…

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April 10, 2023

County News

Frederick County Executive Named to Daily Record’s Maryland Top 100 Women

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater was named to The Daily Record’s listing of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. “The 2023 Maryland’s Top 100 Women are leading companies, creating change, breaking barriers and charting new territory. They are leaders who make a difference in their communities and also mentor and inspire future leaders toward success,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of The Daily Record/BridgeTower Media. Maryland’s Top 100 Women, founded in 1996, recognizes the outstanding achievements of…

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April 10, 2023

Environment

Maryland Congressional Delegation Urges Focus on Environmental Protection During Dam License Negotiations

A Maryland congressional delegation is calling for more stringent protections for the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay Watershed in the new licensing agreement for the Conowingo Dam. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all Md.) wrote to Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain urging the Department of the Environment to ensure…

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April 6, 2023

Public Safety and Corrections

Vital Firehouse Fund Bill to Provide Upgrades Across the Country

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin, Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help construct and upgrade fire stations across the country. The FIRE STATION Act will create a $750 million grant program within the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to modify, upgrade, and construct fire and EMS department facilities to support first responders and their work to keep communities safe. According to a recent national report…

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April 6, 2023

Environment

Department of Natural Resources Announces Funds for Outdoor Recreation Near Military Installations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting preliminary applications for the recently announced Land and Water Conservation Fund and Readiness Environmental Protection Integration Challenge Program. Local governments can apply through the end of April. The nationally competitive opportunity enables local governments to receive between $250,000 and $5 million in grant funding to conserve natural landscapes around military installations, in order to prevent development that could impact operational capabilities. Priority will be given to natural area…

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April 6, 2023

NACo and Federal Issues

NACo Provides Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces

The National Association of Counties (NACo) held a webinar "County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces" as part of their Familiar Faces Initiative. The NACo program, available for viewing here, offered a panel discussion with experts and county leaders who have developed innovative funding models to support housing programs and facilities for familiar faces within their communities. Familiar faces are individuals who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, emergency departments and other crisis…

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April 5, 2023