Read more about the article Interested in Speaking at Winter #MACoCon? Submissions Due Sept 24
Feature / Winter Conference
Interested in Speaking at Winter #MACoCon? Submissions Due Sept 24

MACo's Winter Conference, "Full Steam Ahead," is scheduled for January 6-8, 2027 (with a special pre-conference Newly Elected Officials Orientation on January 5), at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Proposals for topics and sessions are being accepted through September 24, 2026. VIEW THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS Full Steam Ahead With a new four-year term on the horizon, Maryland's county leaders have a unique opportunity to set the course for the years ahead. This conference will…

Comments Off on Interested in Speaking at Winter #MACoCon? Submissions Due Sept 24
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year
Education
Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year

New York City and Los Angeles public schools banned most student use of AI in classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year.  According to a recent Stateline article, the two largest school districts in the country - New York City and Los Angeles - have moved to largely ban AI use by students for the 2026- 2027 school year. The effect of AI on student learning was a major concern behind the decisions. Chicago could follow suit while…

Comments Off on Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article St. Mary’s County Health Department Receives $3.5 M for Connected Care Initiative
County News / Health and Human Services
St. Mary’s County Health Department Receives $3.5 M for Connected Care Initiative

A new $3.5 million investment is helping St. Mary’s County rethink how residents connect to care, bringing health, behavioral health, wellness, and community services into a more connected system. St. Mary’s County is using $3.5 million in Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program funding to launch St. Mary’s 360: Connected Care Everywhere, a countywide initiative designed to make it easier for residents to access health care, behavioral health services, oral health care, wellness programs, and other…

Comments Off on St. Mary’s County Health Department Receives $3.5 M for Connected Care Initiative
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Fun Fact: This Cult Classic Has Baltimore at Its Heart
Fun Fact
Fun Fact: This Cult Classic Has Baltimore at Its Heart

Big hair, bigger personalities, and a whole lot of Baltimore attitude! Hairspray has become one of the most recognizable movies associated with Charm City. But long before the story became a Broadway musical and a major motion picture, it began with one of Baltimore’s most iconic filmmakers: John Waters. Born in Baltimore and raised in the area, Waters developed a fascination with movies early on and eventually became known for his wildly unconventional films, distinctive…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: This Cult Classic Has Baltimore at Its Heart
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland
Education
Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland

As national discussions around AI development continue to explode, local school systems are required to have all new and updated AI policies in place this month. Additionally, the newly established Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education does not appear to have met yet and is not expected to report out until December 1, 2027. Maryland school districts are required this fall to establish policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in…

Comments Off on Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Cybersecurity Funding Available to MD Local Governments
Cyber / Information Technology
Cybersecurity Funding Available to MD Local Governments

Cybersecurity threats continue to target local governments and public infrastructure across Maryland, but new state and federal resources are available to help communities strengthen their defenses. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Department of Information Technology, and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Planning Committee are releasing another round of funding through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, with applications opening in August 2026. For FY 2024, Maryland was awarded $4.9 million,…

Comments Off on Cybersecurity Funding Available to MD Local Governments
September 10, 2026
Read more about the article New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers
Education / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers

Maryland has launched a new mortgage program offering lower interest rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who work as first responders or teachers. Applications for the new program are now open. The First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program offers eligible buyers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate 0.5 percentage points below the standard Maryland Mortgage Program First Time Advantage 5% loan. Buyers can also receive assistance equal to 5%…

Comments Off on New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers
September 9, 2026
Read more about the article Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Delays New Federal Grant Rules
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Delays New Federal Grant Rules

Last week, Congress approved a short-term spending bill that keeps the federal government funded through December 11 while delaying a sweeping rewrite of federal grant rules. The delay gives counties additional time before the proposed changes to federal grant administration can take effect. The US House passed the Senate version of the continuing resolution on September 1 by a 370-48 vote, following the Senate’s 90-6 vote in August. President Trump signed the measure into law,…

Comments Off on Congress Averts Government Shutdown, Delays New Federal Grant Rules
September 9, 2026
Read more about the article State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes
Education
State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes

A recent meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education saw the adoption of an extended timeline to implement a new statewide mathematics instruction policy.  As previously covered on Conduit Street, the State Department of Education (MSDE) proposed changes to how, and how often, math instruction is done in Maryland schools. The changes effect a couple things but primarily it would delay the implementation of a requirement that all school districts are required to provide 60 minutes…

Comments Off on State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes
September 8, 2026
Read more about the article MD Dept of Labor: FAMLI Employer Registration Is Now Open
County Budgets / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD Dept of Labor: FAMLI Employer Registration Is Now Open

Maryland has opened employer registration for its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, another step as the state prepares to launch the program. The Maryland Department of Labor announced in a press release the opening of employer registration for Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, marking another key step toward implementation of the state’s paid family and medical leave program. All employers with at least one Maryland-based employee are required to register…

Comments Off on MD Dept of Labor: FAMLI Employer Registration Is Now Open
September 8, 2026
Older Posts