Read more about the article SNAP Participation Declines as States Prepare for New Costs
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
Read more about the article Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns
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
Read more about the article Fun Fact: This Maryland County Is USA TODAY’s No 2. Fall Destination
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
Read more about the article Webinar to Help Employers Navigate FAMLI Registration
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Webinar to Help Employers Navigate FAMLI Registration

Maryland employers can get answers to common FAMLI registration questions during an upcoming webinar on September 30. The Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) team will host an “Understanding FAMLI Registration” webinar on Wednesday, September 30, from 1 PM to 2 PM via Zoom. The webinar will provide an overview of the FAMLI registration process and address employer questions and concerns. The session is intended to help stakeholders better understand the registration requirements and make…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article MACo County Champion Awards – Nominate Extraordinary Public Servants and Innovative Programs by Oct 23
Feature / Winter Conference
MACo County Champion Awards – Nominate Extraordinary Public Servants and Innovative Programs by Oct 23

MACo’s County Champion Award series celebrates innovative county programs and county leaders who demonstrate extraordinary public service. Nominations are due October 23, 2026. Every year, MACo – in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance – seeks to celebrate those county leaders and programs making exceptional contributions to Maryland counties. MACo will announce award winners in November and make award presentations at our Winter Conference Awards…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article Community Development Conference Heads to Baltimore County This October
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Community Development Conference Heads to Baltimore County This October

Community development professionals from Maryland and across the country will gather in Baltimore County this October for four days of training, networking, and discussions on housing, economic development, homelessness, and community resilience. The National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) will hold its 51st Annual Educational Conference and Training October 5-8, 2026, at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson. Hosted in partnership with Baltimore County, this year’s conference, “Harnessing Momentum, Driving Change,”…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall
Education / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall

With an interim Blueprint evaluation due in December, state lawmakers will grapple with a $1.8B education funding shortfall during the 2027 legislative session. This policy deep dive will analyze where funding pressure exists at the state and local level, as well as what steps state leaders might consider to close the gap.  Governor Moore and the General Assembly are heading into a 2027 legislative session this January, facing a general fund shortfall of almost $3B.…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article FEMA Lifts Holds on 2025 Homeland Security Grants, MDEM Review Continues
County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use
FEMA Lifts Holds on 2025 Homeland Security Grants, MDEM Review Continues

FEMA has removed federal programmatic and financial holds affecting portions of Maryland’s federal fiscal 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program, allowing the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to move forward with subawards and final project reviews. The change applies to National Priority Area and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities funding under the FFY25 program. MDEM will now review each subrecipient’s complete project portfolio before determining which projects can move forward with reimbursement assurances. As previously reported…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article Governor Moore Signs Executive Order Establishing Data Center Review Framework
County News / Energy / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning
Governor Moore Signs Executive Order Establishing Data Center Review Framework

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing a new State review process for large data center projects, with local approvals, ratepayer protections, infrastructure impacts, and community engagement built into the framework. The order applies to data centers that require at least 25 megawatts of power at peak, including expansions that add 25 megawatts, as well as projects that qualify as large load customers under State law. It takes effect when a covered project seeks…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy
Courts / Higher Education
In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy

The US Department of Justice is continuing its effort to dismantle the Maryland DREAM Act, which provides in-state college tuition rates to undocumented students. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a federal judge to resolve its challenge to Maryland’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students without a trial. In a filing last week, DOJ opposed Maryland’s effort to dismiss the case and asked the court to grant judgment in its favor. The lawsuit,…

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September 23, 2026
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