Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, Author at Conduit Street

County News / Transportation and Public Works

Prince George’s Launches GoPGC as New Era for County Transit

Prince George’s County has officially launched GoPGC, a systemwide transformation of its local transit network that brings County-operated transportation services under a unified identity while advancing efforts to modernize the rider experience. Formerly known as TheBus, GoPGC builds on more than 35 years of County transit service. The transition began this summer and will continue across transit fleets, routes, and programs as part of the County’s broader PGC Transit Transformation. Beyond the new name and…

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September 24, 2026

Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns

New survey data spanning more than a decade shows significant declines in substance use among Howard County youth, while rising reports of sadness and hopelessness underscore continued mental health challenges. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) recently released new trend findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), offering a look at more than a decade of health and behavioral trends among the County’s middle and high school students. The data, covering trends from 2013…

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September 24, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use

Community Development Conference Heads to Baltimore County This October

Community development professionals from Maryland and across the country will gather in Baltimore County this October for four days of training, networking, and discussions on housing, economic development, homelessness, and community resilience. The National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) will hold its 51st Annual Educational Conference and Training October 5-8, 2026, at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson. Hosted in partnership with Baltimore County, this year’s conference, “Harnessing Momentum, Driving Change,”…

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September 23, 2026

County Budgets / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development

The Briefing Room: Baltimore City’s War on Vacancy

For decades, vacant and abandoned properties have been one of Baltimore City’s most persistent challenges. Now, the numbers are moving in a different direction. Vacant homes have fallen from more than 16,000 to fewer than 12,000 during Mayor Brandon Scott’s time in office, while census estimates show Baltimore gaining residents for the first time in a decade. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street…

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September 22, 2026

County News / Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets

Blueprint Check-In: The Superintendents’ View

Five years into implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan is approaching a pivotal moment. On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample kicks off a new series examining how the Blueprint is playing out on the ground and what could come next as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Her first guest is Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland…

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September 18, 2026

Energy / News You Can Use

Maryland Clean Energy Center Executive Director Kathy Magruder Announces Retirement

Kathy Magruder, who has led the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) since its early days, has announced plans to retire after 17 years as executive director. Magruder has been involved with MCEC since its inception, first supporting foundational work to establish the statewide green bank while serving at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, now the Maryland Department of Commerce. She briefly served on MCEC's original Board of Directors before becoming executive director…

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September 16, 2026

County News / Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

National Waste Management Summit Heads to Baltimore This Fall

Local government leaders from across the country will gather in Baltimore this fall to discuss emerging challenges, strategies, and technologies shaping solid waste management, recycling, and sustainability. The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) Fall Summit will take place October 26-28, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in Baltimore. MWMA, an affiliate of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, brings together solid waste, recycling, and sustainability decision-makers from cities, counties, regional authorities, and agencies nationwide. This…

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September 16, 2026

Environment / News You Can Use

UPDATE: MDE Sets Public Hearing and Comment Period for Water Quality Standards Review

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has announced the next steps in its 2025 Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards, including a public hearing and formal public comment period on proposed regulatory changes. MDE plans to publish a notice of proposed action in the October 16, 2026, Maryland Register, opening a public comment period through November 18, 2026. The Department will also hold a hybrid public hearing on October 29 at 5:30 p.m. at…

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September 16, 2026

Economic Development / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning

Nominations Closing Soon for 2027 Sustainable Growth Awards

Maryland communities have until September 30 to nominate local leaders, projects, and policies for statewide recognition through the 2027 Sustainable Growth Awards. The Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Sustainable Growth Subcabinet are accepting nominations recognizing efforts that advance sustainable growth at the local level. Awards are presented across three categories: Leadership, Project, and Policy. Eligible nominations must highlight local achievements completed, or expected to be completed, between January 2025 and December 2026. State-level programs…

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September 16, 2026

Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning

Webinar To Explore How Local Governments Can Turn Comprehensive Plans Into Zoning Action

A comprehensive plan may set a community’s long-term vision, but putting it into practice often comes down to local zoning. An upcoming Maryland Department of Planning webinar will use Chestertown as a case study to explore how local governments can better align zoning regulations with comprehensive planning goals. Implementing Comprehensive Plans Through Zoning: How Local Governments Are Advancing Sustainable Land Use will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 23, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The…

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September 16, 2026