Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, Author at Conduit Street

The Briefing Room: The Hemlock Grove Playbook

For the final episode of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, the conversation heads west to Garrett County, where local leaders are putting many of the tools explored throughout the series into practice. Dom Butchko and Baltimore County Housing and Community Development Director Terry Hickey are joined by Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards and Liz Georg of the Garrett County Housing Commission to explore Hemlock Grove, an innovative housing development designed to address a challenge…

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September 1, 2026

County News / Cyber / Education / Information Technology / News You Can Use

News or Noise: Blueprint Pressure, AI Surveillance, and College Sports

Summer Conference is in the rearview mirror, but many of the conversations shaping Maryland policy are just getting started. In the latest round of News or Noise, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Sarah Sample for a look at the headlines, policy debates, and emerging issues that could follow county leaders from #MACoCon into the 2027 legislative session. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe…

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August 27, 2026

Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards / Transportation and Public Works

Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience

Montgomery County earned national recognition for initiatives that improve how residents move through their communities, prepare critical infrastructure for disruptions, and help residents make informed decisions about their health and safety. Transportation is a major part of that work. In June 2025, Montgomery County implemented its Ride On Zero Fare Policy, eliminating passenger fares across Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses. The policy aims to remove financial barriers for riders,…

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August 27, 2026

Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards

From AI to Drones, Montgomery County Puts Technology To Work & Earns National Recognition

Montgomery County earned national recognition for technology and process improvements that are changing how employees work, how residents access information, and how government services are delivered. Among the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award winners is Project Bluejay, a drone program developed by the Department of Permitting Services to make inspections faster, safer, and more precise. Drones can access stormwater systems, sediment basins, green roofs, steep grading sites, roofs, and other difficult…

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August 27, 2026

Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards

Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection

Montgomery County earned national recognition for programs expanding access to child care, recreation, education, and community support for residents across generations. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards is the EquiCare Grant Program, which earned Best in Category in Children and Youth. EquiCare was created to address a gap facing families who need high-quality early childhood education but are ineligible for traditional subsidies. The program funds dedicated seats for infants and…

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August 27, 2026

Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards

Howard County Builds New Pathways for Work, Business, and Community

From career exploration and apprenticeships to small-business development, agriculture, historic preservation, and recreation, Howard County earned national recognition for programs that create new opportunities for residents and strengthen the communities around them. Several of the County’s 2026 NACo Achievement Award winners focus on helping young people understand where their interests can lead. Howard County’s Virtual Career Exploration Program uses immersive virtual reality simulations and career coaching to allow middle and high school students to explore…

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August 27, 2026

Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards

Howard County Programs Bring Health, Safety, and Support Closer to Home

Howard County earned national recognition for programs designed to connect residents with health, safety, and human services where they already live, gather, and seek support. Among the County’s 2026 NACo Achievement Award winners, one theme recurs: reducing barriers by bringing services into familiar community spaces and building stronger connections among agencies, providers, and residents. The Howard County Health Department Library-Based Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Support program places peer recovery specialists in library branches, offering drop-in…

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August 27, 2026

Environment / NACo Achievement Awards

From Solar to Smart Salting, Howard County Climate Solutions Earn National Recognition

Howard County earned national recognition for a wide-ranging collection of sustainability and resiliency initiatives addressing energy, transportation, stormwater, tree canopy, waste reduction, and the changing climate. The County’s award-winning programs demonstrate that climate work can take many forms. From major infrastructure investments to relatively small changes in the way residents heat their homes, maintain landscapes, or prepare for winter weather. One of their greatest efforts focused on expanding the tree canopy in Howard County. Through…

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August 27, 2026

Broadband / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards

Howard County Takes Top Honors for Technology That Makes Government Work Better

Howard County earned national recognition for a broad portfolio of technology and administrative initiatives designed to make government more transparent, secure, efficient, and easier to navigate. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards was HoCo Dash 2.0, which earned Best in Category in Information Technology. The platform transforms large projects, initiatives, and performance measures into concise, visually engaging stories designed to help residents better understand what County government is doing and…

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August 26, 2026

NACo Achievement Awards

Worcester County Revitalizes a Community Tradition, Earns National Recognition

Worcester County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for revitalizing a longstanding community tradition and helping position it for a more sustainable future. The Revitalized and Reimagined Worcester County Fair earned recognition in NACo’s Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation category. Faced with declining participation and challenges surrounding the Fair’s site, Worcester County took on a greater leadership role in organizing the 2024 event. The County provided both financial and in-kind support…

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August 26, 2026