Baltimore County Unveils $5B Budget Focused on Public Safety, Schools, and Affordability

Baltimore County has released its proposed $5 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, outlining a spending plan centered on public safety, education, infrastructure, and cost-of-living pressures, all without raising taxes. The proposal reflects an effort to balance continued investment in core services with maintaining the county’s strong financial standing, including its Triple-A bond rating. Core Priorities: The FY2027 proposal directs funding toward several areas that residents are most likely to see directly, including: public safety and…

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Apply Now: Maryland Certified Public Manager Program

Applications are now open for the Maryland Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program, a leadership development opportunity for public sector professionals across the state. Offered through the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore, the program is designed for supervisors, managers, and executives working in state, local, and municipal government, as well as nonprofit organizations. The Class of 2027 application deadline is June 1, 2026. About the Program The Certified Public Manager® program…

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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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Conduit Street Podcast: 90 Days Later — Sine Die Recap

This Week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an episode fresh from Sine Die to break down the 2026 legislative session from start to finish.   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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2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Procurement

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on procurement policy in the 2026 General Assembly. Public procurement is a critical function of county government that drives infrastructure delivery, management of public funds, and ensures fair and competitive contracting processes. Through its procurement advocacy, MACo works to preserve local flexibility in procurement practices while supporting policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and strong partnerships with the private sector. In Maryland's 448th legislative session, procurement policy…

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2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Business Affairs

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on business affairs policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Business regulation and licensing sit at the intersection of economic opportunity and public safety, with counties responsible for administering and enforcing many of the rules that govern local commerce. Through its business affairs advocacy, MACo seeks to preserve local authority, ensure effective oversight, and maintain access to essential regulated services in communities across the state.…

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2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: State Budget & Fiscal Issues

The segments below provide an overview of MACo’s work on State budget policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. County governments depend on a wide range of State-funded programs to deliver essential services. Changes in the State budget — whether in funding formulas, cost sharing, or program structure — can have broad and immediate impacts on county budgets. MACo advocates for predictable funding, protects against unfunded mandates, and supports targeted enhancements that align with local…

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2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Economic Development

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on economic development policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Economic development is a core function of local government contributing to job creation, supporting local businesses, and positioning communities to compete in a rapidly evolving economy. Through its economic development advocacy, MACo works to ensure that state policies strengthen, not constrain, local efforts to attract investment, support workforce development, and advance projects that reflect regional…

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Fun Fact: This Maryland University Is Taking a PAWsitive Step Into the Future

For the first time in its history, Maryland will train its own veterinarians—and it’s happening at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. No universities in Maryland offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Some schools provide degrees and certificates in veterinary technology and veterinary science. However, to become practicing veterinarians, Maryland students must leave the state. Currently, a collaborative program between Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland lets Maryland students earn the required…

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2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Taxes and Revenues

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on tax policy in the 2026 General Assembly.  The General Assembly routinely considers changes to tax structures to spur economic growth, encourage certain activities, or attract and retain residents. Some proposals focus only on State taxes, while others extend to local revenues and directly affect county budgets. MACo supports local decision-making. Counties, led by elected officials accountable to their communities, make informed choices on local…

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