Read more about the article #MACoCon Solutions Showcase Features Leaders in Cyber Security, Surplus Auctions, Benefits Management, AND MORE!
County News / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Solutions Showcase Features Leaders in Cyber Security, Surplus Auctions, Benefits Management, AND MORE!

MACo’s Summer Conference Solutions Showcase will feature innovative and effective ways to address county governance challenges. Join us to hear from industry experts and thought leaders on topics like AI in cloud computing, digital connectivity, benefits management, and more! The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below… Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Prevention Matters: How Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center Is Leading the Charge Against Preventable Injuries Hosted by University of Maryland Medical System This session will highlight the…

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July 15, 2026
Read more about the article Short-Term Bay Health Improves with Best Dissolved Oxygen on Record
Environment
Short-Term Bay Health Improves with Best Dissolved Oxygen on Record

Early data shows an improvement in the health of the bay as dissolved oxygen conditions are best on record for early season. Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show lower than average volumes of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia from May to late June 2026. No hypoxia was observed in May, one of ten years with no…

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July 15, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland Awards $1B in Affordable Housing Financing
Housing and Community Development / Transportation and Public Works
Maryland Awards $1B in Affordable Housing Financing

In FY 2026, Maryland awarded over $1 billion in affordable housing funds, underlining the need for more work to support project financing.  For the 2026 fiscal year, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development awarded low-income housing tax credits and provided financing through state rental housing funds, the Multifamily Bond Program, and energy efficiency programs with an estimated value of more than $1 billion to create or preserve 3,025 affordable rental units. Funding was…

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July 15, 2026
Read more about the article US House Approves Permanent Daylight Saving Time
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
US House Approves Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The US House of Representatives has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, advancing a long-running effort to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the country. The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) passed the US House on a bipartisan 308-117 vote and now heads to the US Senate. Maryland's congressional delegation split evenly on the bill. Representatives Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, Kweisi Mfume, and Johnny Olszewski voted in favor,…

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July 15, 2026
Read more about the article DLS Releases Updated Legislative Drafting Manual
General Assembly News / News You Can Use
DLS Releases Updated Legislative Drafting Manual

The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has released the 2026 Legislative Drafting Manual, an updated guide to Maryland's legislative drafting process. The manual explains how bills are drafted, amended, and enacted. It outlines Maryland's constitutional framework for legislation, drafting conventions, bill structure, effective dates, local legislation, fiscal provisions, and common drafting pitfalls. It also covers the practical side of the legislative process, including bill requests, amendments, reporting requirements, and special provisions commonly used in legislation.…

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July 15, 2026
Read more about the article Check Out These Taste of MD Reception Samples at Summer #MACoCon
Summer Conference / Tourism
Check Out These Taste of MD Reception Samples at Summer #MACoCon

Attend the Taste of Maryland Reception on Thursday of MACo’s Summer Conference to sample everything Maryland has to offer! MACo’s Taste of Maryland Reception will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm in Exhibit Hall C (ticket required). Join us to experience tasting samples from unique and exciting venues across Maryland. Learn more about tourism destinations and agritourism ventures. Sample items like eastern shore oysters, western Maryland cheese, central Maryland beer, and…

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July 14, 2026
Read more about the article Aging Population Poses Long-Term Budget Challenges for States
County News / Health and Human Services / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Aging Population Poses Long-Term Budget Challenges for States

States are preparing for a future where more residents are older, healthcare costs are higher, and demand for public services continues to grow. As the US population continues to age, states are facing growing fiscal pressures that will require long-term planning and cross-agency coordination. A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts highlights how demographic shifts are expected to affect state revenues, increase healthcare costs, and drive demand for a wide range of public services…

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July 14, 2026
Read more about the article Maryland County Employees Complete NACo Leadership Academy
County News / Education / Leadership / News You Can Use
Maryland County Employees Complete NACo Leadership Academy

More than 20 Maryland county employees have completed the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Leadership Academy, strengthening leadership skills that support county governments and the communities they serve. The April 2026 graduating class includes employees from Baltimore, Charles, and Harford counties, representing a wide range of professions including public works, information technology, public health, human resources, recreation, utilities, engineering, animal control, and environmental programs. Congratulations! Baltimore County Jameca Craig, Public Health Nurse Supervisor…

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July 14, 2026
Read more about the article New Technologies Offer Counties New Tools for Safer, Smarter Detention Centers
Information Technology / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
New Technologies Offer Counties New Tools for Safer, Smarter Detention Centers

As local detention centers continue to modernize operations, artificial intelligence is emerging as a new tool with potential applications beyond traditional technology. A recent Urban Institute report highlights how AI systems are beginning to assist correctional facilities with administrative tasks, movement tracking, documentation requirements, and more—functions that consume significant staff time in facilities already facing workforce shortages. By automating routine processes, these tools can allow correctional officers and detention staff to spend more time on…

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July 14, 2026
Read more about the article Upcoming Webinar Explores County Approaches to Data Center Growth
County News / Economic Development / Environment / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
Upcoming Webinar Explores County Approaches to Data Center Growth

As Maryland continues to see rapid growth in data center development, county officials are increasingly navigating complex questions around land use, infrastructure, energy demand, and economic development. To help explore these issues, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV), in partnership with MACo, will host its next Conservation Conversations webinar on Wednesday, July 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Unlike previous Conservation Conversations that examined data centers through a statewide policy lens, this discussion…

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July 14, 2026
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