Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, Author at Conduit Street

Charles County Releases Residential Development Guide

Charles County Government’s Department of Planning and Growth Management has released an Overview of the Development Process: Common Ownership Communities, Homeowners’ Associations, and Resident Guidance Document. The new guide is designed to help residents better understand how residential development works and clarify who is responsible for each component of the process before, during, and after construction. The document explains: The roles and responsibilities of developers, the County, HOAs, and residents Key phases of residential development,…

Comments Off

February 26, 2026

County News / Housing and Community Development

Frederick Releases Housing Roadmap To Address Affordability and Growth

Frederick County has announced its most comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. The study provides a clear roadmap to address the county’s growing housing challenges and ensure a more affordable, inclusive future for all residents. From the county press release: “Housing affordability is fundamentally connected to nearly every ingredient of a healthy community—economic development, public health, caring for our seniors, and more,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said today as she announced the…

Comments Off

February 26, 2026

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: These Presidents Traveled Through, “Mountain Maryland”

Did you know that "Mountain Maryland," particularly Allegany County, has quietly played host to American presidents for more than 275 years? Long before interstates, highways, campaign buses, and motorcades, the mountains of Western Maryland were a critical gateway to the west. Presidents didn't just pass through; they shaped history there. Let's dive in and see which presidents made the trek. George Washington: Before the Presidency In 1748, a young George Washington began surveying land along…

Comments Off

February 26, 2026

County News / Health and Human Services

Calvert County Launches Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program

The Department of Public Safety’s Career Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division and Calvert Advanced Life Support, in partnership with the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, announced the launch of its Low-Titer Type O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program. From the county press release: “Delivering whole blood at the point of injury offers a critical advantage over traditional fluids,” said Dave McDowell, director of the Calvert County Department of Public Safety. “This program…

Comments Off

February 25, 2026

County News / Information Technology / News You Can Use

St. Mary’s County Launches Upgraded Digital Governance Platform

St. Mary’s County has launched a new digital governance platform designed to improve public access to meeting materials and strengthen transparency in local government operations. The County has transitioned its online meeting document system from the previous BoardDocs platform to the modernized Diligent platform, which serves as a critical access point for residents to review agendas, minutes, and supporting materials for Boards, Commissions, and Committees — including the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, St. Mary's…

Comments Off

February 19, 2026

County Government and Structure / County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning

Baltimore Aligns Housing and Planning for Next Phase of Development

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced his intention to nominate Timothy Keane as Commissioner of Baltimore City's Department of Housing and Community Development, Renata "Ren" Southard as Planning Director, and Alice Kennedy as Executive Director of Community Affairs and Engagement in the Mayor's Office, effective March 2, 2026. From the press release: "Baltimore is becoming a pioneer in housing and community development, literally breaking new ground in our work to overcome a challenge that has plagued…

Comments Off

February 19, 2026

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: Did You Know That These Winter Olympians Have Maryland Roots?

As the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina continues, you might be surprised to know that four Maryland Olympians are claiming a meaningful presence on the world stage. From Frederick County to Baltimore City to Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, four Maryland-connected athletes are members of Team USA at the 2026 Winter Games. Noah Grove — Sled Hockey (Frederick County) A two-time Paralympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion, Grove is one of the most…

Comments Off

February 19, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development

Howard County Renews Commitment to Age-Friendly Community Planning

Howard County has announced that the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities has formally approved the County's Age-Friendly Action Plan 2025-2029. AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities works with elected officials, partner organizations, and local leaders to guide jurisdictions through a structured process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Participation in the network signals a long-term commitment to creating communities that support residents at every stage of life. This milestone marks Howard…

Comments Off

February 18, 2026

County News / Emergency Management / Public Safety and Corrections

Calvert Emergency Communications Earns Top Industry Distinction

Calvert County Emergency Communications has earned Tri-Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), a distinction recognizing excellence in police, fire, and emergency medical dispatch services. The department is the 31st Tri-ACE center in the world. The team includes more than 40 public safety professionals who answer and dispatch emergency services for Calvert County. In 2025, the department answered 32,607 emergency calls and dispatched 135,075 calls for police, fire…

Comments Off

February 18, 2026

County News / Housing and Community Development / Taxes and Revenues

Baltimore City Unveils Three-Part Property Tax Relief Plan and Tax Sale Reforms

Baltimore City has announced two major initiatives to improve the property tax experience for residents. First, the City is pursuing an ambitious property tax relief strategy to lower the effective tax rate for residential homeowners. Second, following an agreement with Maryland Legal Aid to continue legal challenges, the City will make changes to its tax sale process, including raising the minimum bid to the assessed value and establishing payment plans for residents. These initiatives continue…

Comments Off

February 18, 2026