Blog – Page 2 of 2466 – Conduit Street

Fun Fact: This Maryland County Has a Festive Spring PEEP®show Every Year!

The Carroll County Arts Council will be hosting the 19th Annual PEEP®show this year, a sweet fundraising event featuring marshmallow masterpieces. Each participant crafts a piece of art, such as sculptures, dioramas, mosaics, or even videos. The only requirement – to be crafted from or inspired by PEEPS®! Entries each year range from Disney characters, recreations of classic paintings, building models and more. PEEPshow – Carroll County Arts Council Beginning in 2007, this unique tradition…

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April 2, 2026

Conduit Street Podcast: Puzzle Pieces of the Balanced Budget

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down where Maryland’s budget and “Big BRFA” stand as the General Assembly enters its final weeks. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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March 27, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Housing and Community Development

Queen Anne’s County Cuts Property Tax Rate While Growing Its Budget

Queen Anne’s County is moving to lower its property tax rate, even as its proposed budget for the coming fiscal year shows a significant increase. During the presentation of the County Administrator’s proposed FY2027 budget, the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners voted to reduce the county property tax rate from $0.83 to $0.80 per $100 of assessed value, effective July 1. The move comes alongside a proposed $234.5 million operating budget, up about 12% from the…

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March 26, 2026

County News / Economic Development / MACo Testimony

Rural Readiness Program Advancing through General Assembly

The Rural Readiness Program bill is advancing this session. The bill, supported by MACo, aims to strengthen rural economic development capacity and improve access to competitive funding opportunities. SB 300 and its cross-file HB 461 have both passed their respective chamber and appear to be advancing this session. This bill establishes the Rural Readiness Program and the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund, both administered by the Rural Maryland Council. The bill is designed to help…

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March 26, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Environment / News You Can Use

Prince George’s Uses Trees as Climate Infrastructure

Prince George's County is taking tree planting to a whole other level. More than just beautification, their new program focuses on local infrastructure development. Through its Urban Tree Planting Program, the county is planting 2,147 additional native trees and more than 3,000 native perennials, shrubs, and smaller trees in communities identified as having some of the greatest environmental need. The effort reflects a growing reality for counties: tree canopy is increasingly being viewed not just…

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March 26, 2026

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: Did You Know That Women Lit the Way for 86 Years in This Maryland County?

Among the many historic lighthouses on the Chesapeake coastline, the Turkey Point Lighthouse has a lengthy background of women keeping the light burning. Of the lighthouse’s 114 years of service, 86 were led by women. Located in Elk Neck, in Cecil County, Turkey Point was built in 1833. The tower was constructed at a pivotal point on the coastline, marking a necessary change in a mariner’s course. Sailers coming from the Chesapeake Bay would…

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March 26, 2026

Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony

MACo: Stop Making Counties Pay for State Decisions

On March 20, MACo testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of HB 1605 – Compensation for Individuals Erroneously Convicted - County Cost-Sharing - Repeal. This bill corrects a flawed policy enacted as a small component of the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act that requires counties to fund wrongful-incarceration compensation decisions made entirely through State processes. Under current law, the State determines eligibility, calculates awards, and sets all terms through administrative and judicial…

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March 26, 2026

Agriculture / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development

Howard County Doubles Down on Agriculture

Howard County is putting more money, and more long-term planning, behind local agriculture. During his annual State of Agriculture address, County Executive Calvin Ball announced $600,000 in grant funding for local farms and agricultural businesses, alongside several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s agricultural economy and preserving its future. While the grant awards drew the headlines, the bigger takeaway is this: Howard County is continuing to build out a broad, county-level strategy to support…

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March 25, 2026

Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use

Harford Tackles What’s Next for County Agriculture

Agriculture is constantly changing and Harford County’s upcoming Agriculture Symposium promises a snapshot of the issues shaping county agriculture right now. Set for May 9, the county’s 2026 symposium titled “Rooted in Change,” will bring together farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members for a day of discussion around some of the biggest issues facing local agriculture today. And while the event is local, the themes are anything but. From emerging farm technology to business diversification…

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March 25, 2026

County News / Emergency Management

New Leadership for Frederick Fire and Rescue

Frederick County has tapped a seasoned public safety leader to guide its volunteer fire and rescue services, a critical role as counties continue to navigate recruitment, retention, and operational demands. The County Council confirmed the appointment of Jason Blake as Director of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services on March 17, 2026. From the county press release: “Jason Blake’s extensive background in fire and rescue services demonstrates his expertise in the field and his…

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March 25, 2026