Read more about the article Federal Uncertainty Lingers Over 2026 Emergency Management Grants
County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use
Federal Uncertainty Lingers Over 2026 Emergency Management Grants

Maryland’s fiscal 2026 homeland security and emergency management grants are moving forward, but questions remain over the federal terms and conditions attached to the funding. FEMA has released the fiscal 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant and Homeland Security Grant Program award packages. MDEM must accept the EMPG award by November 9, and the HSGP award by November 24, and the Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the terms and conditions for both programs. EMPG…

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October 1, 2026
Read more about the article Baltimore Proposes New Department as Third Branch of Public Safety
County News / Emergency Management / Public Safety and Corrections
Baltimore Proposes New Department as Third Branch of Public Safety

Baltimore City officials have introduced legislation to establish a Department of Neighborhood Safety, creating a third branch of the City's public safety system focused on violence prevention and alternative responses to certain nonviolent 911 calls. The proposed Department of Neighborhood Safety (DNS) would operate alongside the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services. The department would formally incorporate the work of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) into the…

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October 1, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Cannabis and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, Part One
Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Cannabis and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, Part One

Since Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market launched in July 2023, cannabis tax revenue has become a growing source of funding for state priorities. Among the most significant investments under the state law is the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), which directs a portion of cannabis revenue to communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of past cannabis laws. For counties, the CRRF represents a new and evolving source of State funding channeled through local governments, but…

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October 1, 2026
Read more about the article Blueprint Interim Evaluation Team to Provide Multiple Presentations This Fall
Education
Blueprint Interim Evaluation Team to Provide Multiple Presentations This Fall

NORC, the organization contracted to produce the independent interim evaluation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, is in the process of finalizing findings. Researchers will provide up to seven presentations this Fall as well as a final report on December 1, 2026.  The Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint) received an update during a recent meeting regarding the interim evaluation of the Blueprint. Researchers from NORC gave an update…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article Attorney General Releases New Guidance for Maryland Values Act
Courts / Education / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
Attorney General Releases New Guidance for Maryland Values Act

In accordance with Maryland law, the Office of the Attorney General has released updated guidance for interactions with immigration enforcement officials at sensitive locations operated by state and local entities.  During the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, lawmakers expanded the provisions of the Maryland Values Act that was originally passed in 2025. This was a piece of legislation that established standards for how state and local officials were to interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article This Week: Local Revenue Task Force Reconvenes
County Budgets / County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
This Week: Local Revenue Task Force Reconvenes

Maryland’s Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Structures will meet again on Friday, October 2, as members continue weighing new local revenue options and prepare recommendations ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 pm, and will stream live on the Maryland General Assembly website. The agenda includes presentations on school construction, county revenue structures nationwide, several potential local revenue options, and current local tax rates. The Interagency Commission…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article The Briefing Room: A Ton of Talk About TIFs
Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
The Briefing Room: A Ton of Talk About TIFs

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) can be a powerful tool for supporting development, but it can also be one of the more misunderstood pieces of local economic and housing policy. In Episode 11, Dom and Terry break down how TIF works, why jurisdictions use it, and how future tax revenue can help finance infrastructure and other improvements needed to enable development. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article MACo is Hiring a Legislative Fellow – Apply by October 19 (Paid Internship)
County News / Feature
MACo is Hiring a Legislative Fellow – Apply by October 19 (Paid Internship)

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is seeking an intern to serve as Policy Fellow during the 2027 Maryland General Assembly Session. This is a paid, hybrid position, offering an opportunity to explore public policy advocacy and learn more about the legislative process in Annapolis. Candidates should apply via LinkedIn by October 19. MACo is the non-profit, non-partisan voice of all 24 Maryland counties promoting effective, efficient government through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Association…

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September 30, 2026
Read more about the article Winter #MACoCon Registration Isn’t Open Yet – But Here’s How You Can Prepare
Feature / Winter Conference
Winter #MACoCon Registration Isn’t Open Yet – But Here’s How You Can Prepare

MACo's Winter Conference is in high demand, especially as we lead into the first legislative session of a new four-year term. Registration isn't open yet, but here's everything you can do to prepare to register as soon as it's ready. Conference Details: Date: January 6-8, 2027 - with a special pre-conference Newly Elected Officials Orientation for new county officials only (County Executives, County Commissioners, and County Council Members) Location: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel, Cambridge,…

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September 29, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Community Colleges Take Top National Ranking
Education / News You Can Use
Maryland Community Colleges Take Top National Ranking

Maryland earned the top spot in WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of community college systems, with five Maryland community colleges placing among the top 30 nationwide. The ranking marks the fourth consecutive year Maryland has taken the number one spot. WalletHub ranked Maryland ahead of New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Oregon after reviewing community colleges nationwide. The analysis draws from WalletHub’s 2026 assessment of 613 institutions and weighs cost and financing, education outcomes, and career…

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September 29, 2026
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