A Responsible Approach to Using Generative AI to Support Navigating Complex Policies and Enrolling in Public Benefits 

MACo’s 2024 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Nava!  About Nava: Nava works with federal, state, and local government agencies to solve some of the most complex and highly scrutinized technology modernization challenges. Nava PBC guides agencies constrained by legacy systems to a future with sharp user experiences built on secure, reliable, and fault-tolerant cloud infrastructure. …

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Conduit Street Podcast: A Neighborly Chat With the Pennsylvania County Association

In this week's episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo's Michael Sanderson connects with his Pennsylvania counterpart, Lisa Schaefer. She guides the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, which serves and represents its 64 county members.

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MACo’s Policy Deep Dive: A Guide to Top County Issues

What is the MACo Policy Deep Dive? Readers of the Conduit Street blog will know that MACo's expert policy analysts delve into the latest county policy issues each week. This ongoing series, dubbed the MACo Policy Deep Dive, offers comprehensive insights, providing in-depth analyses and practical guidance for local governments navigating complex challenges. Here Are Some Recent Deep Dives: Emerging Election Trends  A breakdown of two emerging methods gaining attention: Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) and online…

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Frederick Appoints Ty Howard as New Chief Information Officer

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has appointed Mr. Ty Howard as Chief Information Officer and Director of the Division of Interagency Information Technologies.  The CIO oversees the County’s digital presence, from software to cybersecurity. Mr. Howard brings more than two decades of senior-level experience in the IT field. He will begin in his new role on July 15. “Mr. Howard is extremely qualified to serve as Chief Information Officer,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “I am…

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Supporting Local Innovation: TEDCO Awards 2024 Makerspace Initiative Grants

Eighteen projects will receive funding to create or expand Makerspaces across Maryland. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced the awardees for the second round of the Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program. This year's awardees include 18 projects spanning nine counties and Baltimore City. Makerspaces provide the space and means for community members to design, prototype, and manufacture items using inaccessible or unaffordable tools, such as 3-D printers, digital fabrication machines, and computer-aided design software. MACo…

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2024 NACo Awards: Spotlight in Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation, Children and Youth, and Civic Education and Public Information

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards.  Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact…

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Behavioral Health Innovation 

MACo’s 2024 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Cigna Healthcare!  About Cigna Healthcare: Cigna Healthcare | Health Insurance, Dental Plans & Medicare is a global health services company with a mission to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.  Cigna cares deeply about its customers, patients, and coworkers. They partner, collaborate, and keep their…

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2024 NACo Awards: Best in Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Introducing the 2024 MACo Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on this exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Awards.  Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, taking a deeper dive into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound…

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Read more about the article Fun Fact: Which MD County Has the Largest Man-Made Lake?
Deep Creek Lake, Courtesy of Visitdeepcreek.com
Fun Fact: Which MD County Has the Largest Man-Made Lake?

Although Maryland is a coastal state with plenty of ocean waterfront, the state only has man-made lakes. Garrett County is home to the largest man-made lake in Maryland. Deep Creek Lake, in Garrett County is 3,900 acres in size which makes it the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. It is about 13 miles long and has 69 miles of shoreline. Deep Creek Lake was build on Deep Creek in the 1920's and was filled by…

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Charles County Budget Invests in Core Services, Keeps Tax Rates Steady

Charles County’s fiscal 2025 budget invests in education, public safety, county professionals, and essential services, all while maintaining current tax rates. The Charles County Board of County Commissioners approved a balanced fiscal 2025 operating budget of $561,338,600, marking a 6.4 percent increase over last year. The budget boosts funding for education, public safety, recreation, and other essential services without raising property or income tax rates. It also boosts employee compensation with merit and cost-of-living increases,…

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