Blog – Page 3 of 2531 – Conduit Street

Academy for Excellence Celebrates 2026 Graduates

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance celebrated its 2026 graduates on Sunday, September 27, at the University of Maryland. The Academy, voluntary certificate program, was co-founded by MACo and the Maryland Municipal League (MML). It is sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) and coordinated through the School of Public Policy and the Institute for Public Leadership of the University of Maryland. Enrolled local government officials are required to take a set of…

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September 28, 2026

State Revenue Forecast Ticks Up Despite Weak Growth

Maryland’s latest revenue forecast adds $319.9 million to expected fiscal 2027 revenues, but underlying General Fund revenues are still projected to decline 0.9% as the State faces slow growth, federal employment losses, elevated inflation, and other economic risks. The Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates (BRE) released its September update this week, raising the fiscal 2027 revenue forecast to $27.44 billion. BRE also issued its first fiscal 2028 forecast of $28.35 billion, representing 3.3% growth in…

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September 25, 2026

County Budgets / Economic Development / Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Blueprint Check-In: The Educators’ View

Five years into implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, how is Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan affecting the people responsible for bringing it to life in classrooms and schools across the state? Sarah Sample continues her Conduit Street Podcast series examining the Blueprint from different perspectives across Maryland’s education community. 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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September 25, 2026

Corporate Partners / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use

MACo Members Can Access Free Amazon Business Prime

Through MACo’s partnership with Amazon Business, members can access complimentary Business Prime benefits designed to help streamline purchasing and save on procurement costs. An October 6 webinar will walk members through the program and how to activate their benefits. Amazon Business is MACo’s newest Endorsement Partner, and through the partnership, eligible MACo members have access to special Business Prime benefits at no cost. The complimentary Business Prime offering includes two years of Business Prime, fast…

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September 24, 2026

Emergency Management / Environment / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management

Frederick County Teams Fire, Solid Waste Divisions To Tackle Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Frederick County is bringing together its fire and rescue and solid waste teams to address growing public safety risks from improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. The Frederick County Divisions of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) are launching a joint initiative to help residents safely handle and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire risks in homes and throughout the waste collection system. Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday electronics…

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September 24, 2026

County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Risk Management

Harford Taps Real-Time Weather Data To Strengthen Emergency Response

Three locations in Harford County have joined the Maryland Mesonet, giving county emergency officials access to more localized, real-time weather data to help prepare for and respond to severe weather. The network's weather stations, known as mesonet towers, measure conditions including temperature, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and soil moisture. Harford County Emergency Services can use the information to monitor changing conditions and make more informed decisions before and during weather-related emergencies. The statewide network…

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September 24, 2026

County News / Transportation and Public Works

Prince George’s Launches GoPGC as New Era for County Transit

Prince George’s County has officially launched GoPGC, a systemwide transformation of its local transit network that brings County-operated transportation services under a unified identity while advancing efforts to modernize the rider experience. Formerly known as TheBus, GoPGC builds on more than 35 years of County transit service. The transition began this summer and will continue across transit fleets, routes, and programs as part of the County’s broader PGC Transit Transformation. Beyond the new name and…

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September 24, 2026

Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

SNAP Participation Declines as States Prepare for New Costs

SNAP participation continues to decline nationwide as states prepare for new financial responsibilities under recent federal changes, while Congress considers delaying some of the costs set to shift to states. According to a Stateline article, more than 5 million Americans have lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since federal changes enacted last year, while Congress considers delaying some of the law’s new financial requirements for states. From the Stateline article: New data…

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September 24, 2026

Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns

New survey data spanning more than a decade shows significant declines in substance use among Howard County youth, while rising reports of sadness and hopelessness underscore continued mental health challenges. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) recently released new trend findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), offering a look at more than a decade of health and behavioral trends among the County’s middle and high school students. The data, covering trends from 2013…

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September 24, 2026

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: This Maryland County Is USA TODAY’s No 2. Fall Destination

When it comes to fall, Maryland has no shortage of scenic spots to admire changing leaves, but one county is getting national attention for its autumn scenery. Allegany County, Maryland, was recently named the No. 2 Best Place to Visit for Fall in USA TODAY 10Best’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland, Allegany County, known as the Mountain Side of Maryland, has now earned a spot on USA TODAY…

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September 24, 2026