Business Affairs Archives

Frederick County Grants Help First-Generation Farmers Grow

Frederick County is using grant funding to help local farmers invest in new equipment, expand their operations, and find new ways to bring agricultural products to market. As covered in a NACo article, Frederick County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program is helping local farmers expand operations, develop new products, and strengthen the county’s agricultural economy. Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded more than $1.86 million to 82 agricultural projects. The program provides $250,000 annually…

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October 15, 2026

Business Affairs / Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities

As Maryland continues implementing the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), counties are seeking timely updates and answers to questions about the fund’s regulations, eligible uses, and how the resources can support local communities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity,” Senator Antonio Hayes moderated a discussion on updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations,…

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August 20, 2026

Business Affairs / County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use

MD Authorizes Cash Transaction Rounding Amid Penny Shortage

Maryland businesses can now round specified cash transactions to the nearest five cents following legislation responding to the growing national penny shortage. The change follows the US Treasury’s November 2025 decision to stop producing new pennies for circulation, creating increasing difficulty for businesses trying to provide exact change during cash transactions. While pennies remain legal tender and continue circulating through the Federal Reserve system, the shortage prompted lawmakers to authorize limited rounding flexibility for merchants…

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May 14, 2026

Broadband / Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations

Carroll County Broadband Infrastructure Project Earns National Recognition

Carroll County’s long-running effort to expand broadband infrastructure is drawing national attention, with its Public Network project receiving a 2026 Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect. The recognition highlights projects from around the world that demonstrate innovation in technology and infrastructure, and, in Carroll County’s case, reflects nearly two decades of investment in building a countywide fiber network. Carroll County’s Public Network (CCPN) is a middle-mile fiber network designed to support high-capacity broadband across…

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April 30, 2026

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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Business Affairs

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on business affairs policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Business regulation and licensing sit at the intersection of economic opportunity and public safety, with counties responsible for administering and enforcing many of the rules that govern local commerce. Through its business affairs advocacy, MACo seeks to preserve local authority, ensure effective oversight, and maintain access to essential regulated services in communities across the state.…

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April 16, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

MACo to MGA: Give Counties Their Fair Share of Cannabis Revenue

On March 31, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in support of SB 1008 – Alcohol and Cannabis - Cannabinoid Beverages Off-Premises Sales Permit - Establishment with amendments. This bill authorizes the sale of cannabinoid beverages through holders of alcoholic beverage licenses with off-sale privileges, contingent on approval from local licensing boards, and establishes a distribution framework through licensed wholesalers. While MACo has no concern about the intent to establish a…

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April 2, 2026

Business Affairs / County News / General Assembly News / Housing and Community Development / Taxes and Revenues

General Assembly Advances Flexible Local Tools for Housing, Small Business, Families

Several bills advancing this session expand flexible, local tools for housing, small business activity, redevelopment, and family support, backed by MACo. HB 805 has passed the House and is now before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. The bill authorizes local governments to grant a property tax credit for specified affordable dwellings supported by nonprofit mortgage financing and long-term affordability requirements, allowing counties to align the tool with local housing markets and fiscal capacity. HB…

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March 24, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

Community Choice Aggregation: A New Pathway for Flexible Energy Procurement

On March 10, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Environment and Transportation in support of HB 1442 – Community Choice Aggregation Pilot Program - Definition, Application, and Workgroup - Modifications. This bill authorizes counties to form a community choice aggregator program, providing a new local option to procure electric generation services on behalf of residential and small commercial customers. As energy markets evolve and communities look for ways to manage costs and advance…

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March 13, 2026

Business Affairs / MACo Testimony

Strengthening Local Oversight of Disaster Mitigation Services and Recovery

On March 4, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 1351 - Home Improvement Contractors - Disaster Mitigation Services - Regulation and Prohibition. This bill authorizes counties to impose limitations on in-person solicitation of disaster victims by contractors offering these services, including limits on the hours and areas where solicitation may occur. In the aftermath of a fire, flood, or other emergency, homeowners are often forced to…

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March 9, 2026