May in Maryland: What’s News, What’s Noise?

We're back with another special edition of the Conduit Street Podcast, with the MACo team taking up several issues from this month's headlines, and trying to sort out which are the real stories (news) and which are more smoke than fire (noise). Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!  

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Howard Launches Task Force on Disability Inclusion and Crisis Response

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced a new cross-agency task force to evaluate how local government responds to crises involving people with disabilities and neurodivergences. Established through Executive Order 2026-08, the Task Force on Disability Inclusion, Safety, and Crisis Response will review current policies, procedures, and coordination efforts related to behavioral health emergencies, emergency communications, and frontline response systems. The effort reflects growing nationwide conversations about how local governments train and equip emergency responders…

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Frederick County Expands Accessible Transit Options

Frederick County is expanding mobility options for older adults and residents with disabilities through a new same-day assisted rideshare partnership designed to supplement traditional paratransit services. Since May 26, eligible riders enrolled in the County’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) are able to request “Companion Rides,” an assisted transportation service operated through a partnership between Transit Services of Frederick County, MJM Transportation, and rideshare provider Onward. The program introduces same-day ride scheduling for eligible residents and provides…

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Baltimore County Social Services Department Earns National Reaccreditation

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services (DSS) has achieved reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), reaffirming the department’s compliance with nationally recognized standards for service delivery, organizational management, and accountability. Baltimore County DSS has maintained continuous accreditation since first earning the designation in 1976. The reaccreditation process takes place every four years and includes an extensive review of administration, operations, workforce practices, and service delivery standards. Notably, Baltimore County DSS is one of…

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The Briefing Room Ep 3: Where Our Power Comes From

In Episode 3 of The Briefing Room, Maryland’s energy picture comes into sharper focus. Host Dom Butchko is joined by Public Service Commission Chair Kumar Barve to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the state: where does our power actually come from?   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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Frederick Pollinator Initiative Connects Sustainability Goals With Local Land Stewardship

Frederick County and the City of Frederick have officially earned the Bee City USA designation, joining a national network of communities that use local policies and land management practices to support pollinator health and ecological sustainability. While the designation focuses on pollinator protection, local officials say the effort also connects to broader conversations around land stewardship, habitat management, sustainability planning, and environmental resilience. Bee City USA affiliates commit to supporting pollinator-friendly practices through local government…

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Conduit Street Podcast: Maryland Mail-In Ballot Questions, Answered

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the recent vendor issue involving Maryland's mail-in ballots for the June 23 gubernatorial primary and walk through what county officials and voters need to know moving forward.   Mail-In Ballot Questions: What Is the County Government's Role? – Conduit Street Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the…

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Read more about the article State Initiative Targets Eastern Shore Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Projects
A low marsh in Dorchester County. DNR photo
State Initiative Targets Eastern Shore Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Projects

A new statewide initiative aims to help Eastern Shore communities adapt to growing climate pressures through investments in wetlands, forests, living shorelines, and other nature-based resilience projects. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently launched “Roots for Resilience: Strong Roots for a Changing Landscape,” a climate adaptation initiative supported by $42.5 million in federal funding focused on strengthening vulnerable Eastern Shore ecosystems and communities. From the press release: “Roots for Resilience will be a…

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Baltimore City Proposal Seeks Changes to Inspector General Oversight and Public Records Access

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has announced a multi-step legislative proposal to restructure how the City’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) accesses information, conducts oversight, and interacts with existing public records laws. The proposal comes amid ongoing public discussion and litigation surrounding Baltimore’s OIG and broader questions about transparency, investigatory authority, and accountability structures in local government. According to the City, the package is intended to “strengthen residents’ trust in City government” while clarifying oversight…

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State Grant Program Supports Buprenorphine Training for County EMS Personnel

Maryland counties may be eligible for up to $10,000 in state grant funding to support paramedic training on buprenorphine administration, as state and local officials continue to expand overdose response and treatment efforts statewide. The funding opportunity, offered through Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR), is part of the state’s ongoing strategy to strengthen local overdose response systems and improve access to treatment for opioid use disorder. For counties, the grant represents another example of…

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