Read more about the article Summer #MACoCon Titles Are Here – Check Out the Line-Up
3,000 public and private sector leaders will attend MACo's Summer Conference to discuss what's next for Maryland
Summer #MACoCon Titles Are Here – Check Out the Line-Up

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” is scheduled for August 16-19, 2023, in Ocean City, Maryland. More details will be available soon, but check out the titles below for a preview of the sessions we're offering this year! MACo’s Summer Conference brings together approximately 3,000 leaders from all levels of government and the private sector. With four days of educational sessions, along with 2 exhibit shows (over 350 vendors!), and numerous briefings,…

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Interagency Commission on School Construction: June 8 Meeting Agenda

The Interagency Commission on School Construction(IAC) — a nine-member commission that serves as a resource for best practices and as a statewide expert in facilities operations and management that supports Local Education Agencies — reviews and supports the implementation of capital projects relating to the repair and building of school facilities. It typically convenes once a month via videoconference. The meeting is live-streamed for the public on the IAC’s YouTube channel. The Board’s next meeting…

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MACo Soliciting Proposals for 2024 Legislative Initiatives

MACo is currently welcoming suggestions for legislative initiatives for the 2024 legislative session. Each year, MACo adopts up to four topics to forward as initiatives — working with supportive legislators to translate those ideas into successful legislation. Past years have seen a wide range of MACo focus — from infrastructure to expanding broadband access to emergency services (view MACo’s 2023 Initiatives for specific examples). County governing bodies, individual elected officials, MACo’s professional affiliate groups, MACo…

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Here’s What the US Debt Ceiling Deal Means for Counties

After several rounds of negotiations, the White House and House Republican Leadership agreed to address the debt limit and cap spending. The agreement comes less than a week before the deadline, after which the federal government would no longer be able to pay its obligations. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland is particularly vulnerable to a US government debt default and federal austerity measures. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA) (H.R. 3746) would…

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Not Just a Rural Issue: Urban Counties Struggle with Fire/EMS Recruitment & Retention

Urban and rural counties across Maryland are reporting difficulties in recruiting and retaining career and volunteer firefighters.  Earlier this week, the Baltimore Sun reported that the Baltimore City Fire Department was struggling with firefighter and EMS shortages, pushing many in the department into overtime shifts. The article details how city officials are being forced to contend with record vacancy rates and a need to balance coverage in the state's largest city. Unfortunately, this story is…

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Empowering Baltimore City: New COVID Mini-Grant Opportunities

The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), in partnership with Civic Works, announced on Wednesday (May 31) new mini-grant opportunities for community-based organizations in Baltimore to provide health resources and combat COVID-19 in underserved communities. Funding for the grants is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities.” Each grant will be…

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Talbot County Welcomes Sarah Kilmon as their Dynamic New Communications Manager

The Talbot County Council recently introduced Sarah Kilmon as the County’s first Communications Manager. Kilmon leads communications, media and public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy for the County. Under the direction of the County Manager, she provides timely, accurate information about government programs, news, projects, events, and issues. “Sarah is performing an essential role that brings effective and efficient communications for the county”, remarked County Manager Clay Stamp. “Uniting our messaging under one roof,…

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Exploring the Jewel of the East Coast: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week

Maryland counties will be celebrating Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week from June 3 to 11, 2023. This annual event celebrates the culture, history, and natural beauty of the nation’s largest estuary.  Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the cultures, history, and natural beauty of the nation's largest estuary. During the week, there are a wide variety of online and in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and social media conversations for everyone to take part in to…

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Check Out MDE’s Tree Planting Tracking Tool

Earlier this spring, MDE unveiled a Tree Planting Tracking Tool to help counties with the state's Five Million Trees Plan.  As part of a statewide effort to plant five million trees by 2031, earlier this spring, MDE released a Tree Planting Tracking Tool aimed at helping counties and other stakeholders. The website includes eligible tree planting programs, tree care resources, and more information about how the Five Million Trees initiative advances various environmental and socio-economic…

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