Read more about the article Counties Face July 13 Deadline to Weigh In on Sweeping Federal Grant Rule Changes
County Budgets / County News / Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Counties Face July 13 Deadline to Weigh In on Sweeping Federal Grant Rule Changes

Maryland counties have until July 13 to comment on a sweeping federal proposal that would rewrite the rules governing billions of dollars in federal grant funding. The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed the most significant changes to the Uniform Guidance since its adoption in 2013. The Uniform Guidance, codified in 2 CFR Part 200, establishes federal requirements for grants and cooperative agreements that support county programs, including public safety and emergency…

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June 25, 2026
Read more about the article Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Inflation Concerns
Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Inflation Concerns

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged this week, maintaining the federal funds rate in a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%. While the Fed left rates unchanged, updated projections from policymakers point toward a different outlook than earlier this year. Federal Reserve officials now expect interest rates to finish 2026 slightly higher than current levels, reversing projections issued three months ago that anticipated rate cuts. The Federal Open Market Committee described the economy as…

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June 18, 2026
Read more about the article Governor Moore Executive Order Promotes MD Wood Products in State-Funded Projects
County News / Economic Development / Finance and Procurement / Transportation and Public Works
Governor Moore Executive Order Promotes MD Wood Products in State-Funded Projects

A new Executive Order from Governor Moore encourages State agencies to prioritize Maryland-sourced wood products in public projects. Governor Moore issued an Executive Order directing Maryland State agencies to prioritize the use of in-state wood products in public projects whenever wood is an appropriate and cost-competitive building material. The order aims to strengthen Maryland's forest products industry while advancing sustainable economic development and responsible forest management. According to the announcement, Maryland's forestry and wood products…

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June 17, 2026
Read more about the article State Collects $26.2M in Quarterly Cannabis Taxes, Locals Receive $342K
Cannabis / County Budgets / County News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
State Collects $26.2M in Quarterly Cannabis Taxes, Locals Receive $342K

Maryland collected more than $26.2 million in cannabis sales tax revenue during the first quarter of 2026. Local governments received $341,990. That amount represents the entire local government share of Maryland’s cannabis tax distribution. Counties initially receive those funds, but State law requires them to distribute 50% of the allocation to municipalities that host cannabis dispensaries that generate the revenue. As a result, counties retain less than the already modest local share. The State imposes…

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June 17, 2026
Read more about the article Comptroller to Launch New Tax Portal for Individual Taxpayers
News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
Comptroller to Launch New Tax Portal for Individual Taxpayers

The Comptroller of Maryland will launch Maryland Tax Connect for individual taxpayers on September 1, replacing several legacy tax systems and marking the State’s first major tax administration modernization effort in more than three decades. Maryland Tax Connect already serves business taxpayers. Beginning September 1, individual taxpayers will also use the portal to file returns, make payments, review account information, access notices, check balances, and manage payment plans through a single online system. According to…

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June 16, 2026
Read more about the article State Awards $600K for Flood Reduction Projects Across Maryland
County Budgets / County News / Environment / Risk Management
State Awards $600K for Flood Reduction Projects Across Maryland

Maryland has awarded $690,000 in competitive grants to support nine flood reduction and restoration projects aimed at helping local communities better prepare for flooding, erosion, and severe weather. The funding, announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will support planning and design work for projects across seven counties and reflects the state’s continued investment in resilience and flood mitigation. The grants are funded through Maryland’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and the National Oceanic…

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June 16, 2026
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: Different States, Similar County Challenges
County Budgets / County Government and Structure / County News / Economic Development / Education / Energy / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Conduit Street Podcast: Different States, Similar County Challenges

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko and Kevin Kinnally record from the Conference of Southern County Associations (CSCA) in Williamsburg, Virginia, joined by county leaders and policy experts from across the South for a discussion on the issues shaping local government today. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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June 12, 2026
Read more about the article Kent County Commissioners Approve Letter of Intent for Construction of New Middle School
County Budgets / School Construction and Capital Budgets
Kent County Commissioners Approve Letter of Intent for Construction of New Middle School

On Tuesday, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a letter of intent for the construction of a new Kent County Middle School.  During a June 9, 2026 meeting of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, local leaders voted to provide a conditional letter of intent for the construction of a new Kent County Middle School. The letter does not obligate the county to fund the project but gets the discovery process underway at the…

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June 11, 2026
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Approves Budget with Record School Funding, Lower Property Tax Rate
County Budgets / County News
Anne Arundel Approves Budget with Record School Funding, Lower Property Tax Rate

The Anne Arundel County Council unanimously approved the county’s fiscal 2027 budget this week, advancing a spending plan that increases education funding, expands public safety staffing, invests in health and human services programs, and lowers the county property tax rate. County Executive Steuart Pittman introduced the budget in May. The adopted plan marks his final budget as county executive. Education accounts for one of the largest investments in the budget. Anne Arundel County Public Schools…

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June 11, 2026
Read more about the article Worcester County Budget Maintains Tax Rates, Boosts School, and Public Safety Funding
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Taxes and Revenues
Worcester County Budget Maintains Tax Rates, Boosts School, and Public Safety Funding

Worcester County has approved its Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, maintaining both its property tax and local income tax rates while increasing investments in education, public safety, employee compensation, and county reserves. The approved $300.2 million spending plan keeps the County's property tax rate at 81.5 cents per $100 of assessed value and maintains its local income tax rate at 2.25%, which County officials note remains among the lowest in Maryland. County leaders described the…

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June 4, 2026
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