Blog – Page 4 of 2472 – Conduit Street

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Intergovernmental Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on intergovernmental relations policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties serve as the boots-on-the-ground public service providers to nearly all Maryland residents. From public safety and infrastructure to health, energy, and governance, this role requires strong coordination and clear communication between all levels of government. Through its intergovernmental relations advocacy, MACo works to strengthen the state-local partnership, ensuring that county voices are heard and respected…

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April 16, 2026

Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Health and Human Services

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on health and human services policy during the 2026 General Assembly session. Each county in Maryland has a local health department that plays a role in providing essential public health services to residents. Local governments deliver frontline care through local health departments and administer critical programs for children, families, and vulnerable populations. As such, MACo works to strengthen these local health and human services systems,…

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April 15, 2026

Environment / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of environment policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties remain on the front lines of environmental policy, tasked with implementing and enforcing ambitious statewide goals while balancing local realities. As such, MACo continues to advocate for practical, flexible solutions that empower counties to meet environmental objectives without imposing unworkable mandates or unfunded burdens. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal…

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April 15, 2026

Government Liability and Courts / MACo Testimony / Public Information and Ethics

2026 End of Session Wrap Up: Government Liability & Public Information

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of government liability and public information in the 2026 General Assembly session. Local governments operate at the intersection of transparency, accountability, and legal responsibility. Counties are charged with managing public information, upholding ethical standards, and navigating legal risks across a wide range of functions. From responding to public records requests to defending against liability claims, counties must balance open government requirements with…

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April 15, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Finance

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on finance policy in the 2026 General Assembly. In the 2026 session, fiscal policy took center stage as the General Assembly faced slowing revenues, rising costs, and competing priorities across government. Budget constraints drove debates over tax policy, aid formulas, and funding commitments, with a sharper focus on how the State and local governments share costs and responsibilities. Maryland’s 448th legislative session opened with significant…

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April 15, 2026

County News / Elections / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Elections

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on election policy in the 2026 General Assembly. Administering elections is a core responsibility of county governments requiring careful coordination of polling locations, election workers, and secure systems to ensure every Marylander can participate in a fair and accessible process. Counties serve on the front lines of election administration, translating state policy into real-world operations every two years. Through its elections advocacy, MACo supports policies…

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April 15, 2026

MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning and Zoning

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on planning and zoning policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Planning and zoning decisions are an integral function of county government, shaping how communities grow, where infrastructure is placed, and how residents and businesses coexist. In its planning & zoning advocacy, MACo seeks to preserve the ability of local governments – those closest to the people and with the most insight into local needs…

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April 15, 2026

Emergency Management / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Emergency Services

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy in emergency services policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Emergency services are a cornerstone of county government, encompassing fire and rescue operations, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1 call centers that residents rely on in moments of crisis. Counties are on the frontlines of these efforts, coordinating rapid response systems and disaster preparedness across diverse communities. Through its advocacy, MACo works to secure sustainable funding,…

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April 15, 2026

County News / Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Housing and Community Development

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on housing and community development policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties are on the front lines of Maryland’s housing challenges—working to expand affordability, revitalize communities, and respond to persistent issues like vacancy, blight, and displacement. Through its advocacy, MACo supports policies that strengthen local capacity to deliver housing solutions, invest in community development, and address the full continuum of housing needs. In the…

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April 15, 2026

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Transportation and Public Works

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on transportation and public works policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. From maintaining local roadways and bridges to coordinating with state systems, county governments operate within a shared transportation network that depends on strong state partnership. MACo continues to press for sustainable, predictable investment in local transportation and public works systems. During Maryland's 448th session, transportation policy was shaped by broader fiscal pressures and…

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April 15, 2026