A County FAQ for Maryland’s Upcoming FAMLI Paid Leave Deadlines

With key deadlines approaching under Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, counties face important decisions about how to manage the new paid leave requirements. Beginning January 1, 2027, employers participating in the State Plan must begin payroll withholding and contributions at the state-set rate of 0.9% of payroll. Counties seeking to pursue a private plan instead must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Maryland Department of Labor by November 15, 2026.…

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Federal Grant To Expand Rural Maryland Workforce Training

A $2.38 million federal grant will help nine Maryland colleges and universities strengthen workforce training and connect rural students with internships and employment opportunities in high-demand fields. As covered in a Baltimore Sun article, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) announced the Maryland Rural Pathways to Prosperity Network, which aims to serve 1,000 students through career advising and job training. The program will focus on in-demand careers such as aerospace, cybersecurity, education, health care, high-tech…

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Allegany Finalizes Agreement for 65-Home Redevelopment in Cumberland

Allegany County has finalized a development agreement with D.R. Horton to transform the former Allegany High School property into a 65-home residential community, expanding local housing options and returning the site to productive use. The Village Crossing at Campobello project will include at least 44 attached homes and 21 detached homes, with anticipated prices ranging from about $180,000 to under $300,000. The agreement allows D.R. Horton to acquire residential lots in phases as the redevelopment…

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Montgomery Council Considers Three Targeted Tax Credits

The Montgomery County Council is considering three tax-credit proposals for families with children, homeowners, and public school employees. The County Council held public hearings on all three bills on October 13, with committee work sessions scheduled for October 29. Bill 46-26 would create a County grant supplementing Maryland’s child tax credit. Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $15,000 or less could receive $500 per qualifying child, decreasing by $50 for each additional $1,000 in…

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Frederick County To Host First County-Based Farm2Food Accelerator

Frederick County will host the first county-based cohort of the NASDA Foundation's Farm2Food Accelerator in January 2027, offering farmers and food businesses training to develop and market products made with locally sourced agricultural ingredients. The Frederick County Office of Agriculture is bringing the 12-week program to the County to help agricultural businesses develop new products and expand their market opportunities. The initiative focuses on value-added agriculture, allowing farmers and food producers to generate additional revenue…

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Frederick County Grants Help First-Generation Farmers Grow

Frederick County is using grant funding to help local farmers invest in new equipment, expand their operations, and find new ways to bring agricultural products to market. As covered in a NACo article, Frederick County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program is helping local farmers expand operations, develop new products, and strengthen the county’s agricultural economy. Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded more than $1.86 million to 82 agricultural projects. The program provides $250,000 annually…

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Fun Fact: Discover Art, Nature, and Seasonal Magic in This Maryland County

Art, nature, and a little bit of magic come together at one of Calvert County's most distinctive attractions: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. Spanning 50 acres, Annmarie invites visitors to wander wooded paths and discover sculptures nestled throughout the landscape. The garden also includes the Murray Arts Building, which features rotating exhibits, creative programs, and the Nature Nook, offering something for visitors of all ages. But did you know that Annmarie's story began with…

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Baltimore County Weighs Critical Area Protections for Energy Storage Facilities

Baltimore County is considering new landscaping requirements for energy storage facilities near the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The proposal would add another local standard as counties continue siting large energy projects. Bill 106-26 would require an energy storage device located adjacent to or within the Critical Area to include a berm with dense landscaping tall enough at planting to screen the building from view. Baltimore County already requires landscaping buffers when data centers or energy…

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MD Awards $16.4 M To Strengthen Rural Health Care Workforce

Maryland is investing $16.4 million in workforce development initiatives to address health care staffing shortages across the state’s 18 designated rural regions. Announced in a press release from the Office of Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Labor, the grants are part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and will support projects designed to expand training, recruitment, and retention of health care professionals. From the press release: This initiative will help Maryland’s…

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Mail-In Ballot Request Deadline Approaches for General Election

Maryland voters who want to receive a mail-in ballot by mail or fax must submit their request by October 27 for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election. Voters requesting electronic delivery have until October 30. The Maryland State Board of Elections is reminding voters to plan for the November 3 general election. Mail-in ballot requests must be received, not simply mailed, by the applicable deadline. Voters can request a mail-in ballot online. Ballots returned through the…

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