Blog – Page 9 of 2463 – Conduit Street

Counties Warn Against Binding State Flood Determinations Over Local Land Use Authority

On March 3, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 687 - Environment - Flood Risk Review Process - Establishment. This bill would require the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to establish a new “flood risk review process” for areas identified as being at risk of tidal or nontidal flooding, apply that process to MDE’s review of plans and permits, and then…

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March 5, 2026

Energy / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

MACo Advocates For Local Inclusion in State Energy Streamlining Efforts

On March 3, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1532 - Continuing the Next Generation Energy Act with amendments. This bill, while largely outside of the purview of county governments, directs the Power Plant Research Program to produce a study on streamlining energy zoning and permitting. County/community input and coordination should be a component of the visioning process in the bill. Recent…

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March 5, 2026

Energy / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Statewide Solar Permitting Overhaul Undermines Local Systems and Safety Standards

On March 3, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 1104 - Residential Solar Energy Systems - Local Inspections and Permitting. This bill would require counties to implement a highly prescriptive “solar permitting software” by August 1, 2027, mandate remote inspections (by recorded video or photograph) for projects permitted through that software, prohibit any manual review at any point in the permitting or…

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March 5, 2026

County News / Education / Human Resources / Leadership / News You Can Use

New Leadership Cohort Launches for County Administrators and HR Leaders

A new leadership development opportunity is launching for county leaders responsible for workforce strategy, organizational culture, and team performance. The Workforce Network Leadership Program is a 10-week online cohort designed specifically for county administrators, human resources professionals, and their teams. The program focuses on strengthening leadership capacity across local governments while providing practical tools for managing people, aligning departments, and leading organizational change. The program is built specifically for local government leaders and allows participants…

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March 4, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Human Resources / News You Can Use

Federal Workforce Program Connects Older Workers With Local Agencies

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is offering a unique opportunity to county agencies and nonprofit organizations looking to expand their workforce. The federally funded program connects older job seekers (age 55 and older) with community-serving organizations, including government agencies and nonprofits. Through the program, participants receive workforce training while supporting the mission of host organizations across their communities. SCSEP places participants in part-time roles with “Host Agencies,” where they gain valuable on-the-job experience…

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March 4, 2026

Elections / MACo Testimony

MACo Supports Local Flexibility To Expand Public Campaign Financing

On February 24, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted written testimony to the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of HB 962 - Local Public Campaign Financing - County Boards of Education. This bill expands the offices for which a county may establish public campaign financing. As these officials often exercise significant policy and budget authority, providing a local option to include them under public financing programs promotes consistency and accountability. Notably, the bill preserves…

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March 4, 2026

Elections / MACo Testimony

MACo Raises Questions on Enforcement Authority at Polling Places

On February 24, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted a letter of information to the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee on HB 1001 - Election Law - Local Board of Elections Employees - Authority at Polling Places. HB 1001 expands the authority of local board of elections employees serving at polling places. The bill requires a police officer stationed at a polling place to follow the orders of a local board employee, in addition to election…

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March 4, 2026

Emergency Management / MACo Testimony

Counties Back Effort To Stabilize Emergency Management Funding

On February 24, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Finance Committee in support of SB 739 - Climate Change, Homeowner's Insurance, and Emergency Management - Study. This bill advances a top priority identified by county emergency managers by directing the University System of Maryland to evaluate Maryland’s emergency management funding structure and develop recommendations for sustainable, long-term funding. County governments serve on the front lines of emergency management, maintaining readiness across prevention, protection, response,…

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March 4, 2026

Emergency Management / MACo Testimony

MACo: Smarter Emergency Planning Requires Local Expertise

On February 24, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 937 - Workgroup to Study Youth Camp and RV Park Emergency Preparedness - Established with amendments. This bill establishes a Workgroup to Study Youth Camp and RV Park Emergency Preparedness. The workgroup must review emergency preparedness policies, inventory youth camps and RV parks by county, examine legislation in other states, and develop recommendations regarding potential…

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March 4, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

Rigid Statewide Procurement Rules Risk Project Delays and Fiscal Strain

On February 25, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in opposition to SB 671 - Procurement Contracts and Construction Contracts - Payments. This bill subjects counties to significantly expanded prompt payment mandates, heightened penalties, and restricted contract administration flexibility. By shortening notice timelines, limiting dispute resolution flexibility, expanding contractor remedies, and dramatically increasing penalty interest rates, the bill shifts financial and operational risk onto local governments. Without regard to…

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March 4, 2026