County News Archives

Prince George’s Uses Trees as Climate Infrastructure

Prince George's County is taking tree planting to a whole other level. More than just beautification, their new program focuses on local infrastructure development. Through its Urban Tree Planting Program, the county is planting 2,147 additional native trees and more than 3,000 native perennials, shrubs, and smaller trees in communities identified as having some of the greatest environmental need. The effort reflects a growing reality for counties: tree canopy is increasingly being viewed not just…

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March 26, 2026

Agriculture / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development

Howard County Doubles Down on Agriculture

Howard County is putting more money, and more long-term planning, behind local agriculture. During his annual State of Agriculture address, County Executive Calvin Ball announced $600,000 in grant funding for local farms and agricultural businesses, alongside several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s agricultural economy and preserving its future. While the grant awards drew the headlines, the bigger takeaway is this: Howard County is continuing to build out a broad, county-level strategy to support…

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March 25, 2026

Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use

Harford Tackles What’s Next for County Agriculture

Agriculture is constantly changing and Harford County’s upcoming Agriculture Symposium promises a snapshot of the issues shaping county agriculture right now. Set for May 9, the county’s 2026 symposium titled “Rooted in Change,” will bring together farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members for a day of discussion around some of the biggest issues facing local agriculture today. And while the event is local, the themes are anything but. From emerging farm technology to business diversification…

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March 25, 2026

County News / Emergency Management

New Leadership for Frederick Fire and Rescue

Frederick County has tapped a seasoned public safety leader to guide its volunteer fire and rescue services, a critical role as counties continue to navigate recruitment, retention, and operational demands. The County Council confirmed the appointment of Jason Blake as Director of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services on March 17, 2026. From the county press release: “Jason Blake’s extensive background in fire and rescue services demonstrates his expertise in the field and his…

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March 25, 2026

County News / Economic Development / MACo Testimony

Economic Development NDA Ban Appears Dead After Missing Crossover Deadline

Following the General Assembly’s “crossover” deadline, SB 853, which restricts the use of nondisclosure agreements in economic development negotiations, faces increasingly long odds of advancing without committee approval. With the “crossover” deadline now passed, legislation not approved by its originating committee is increasingly unlikely to advance this session. MACo opposed SB 853 which would broadly prohibit an individual, governing body, legislator, or employee from entering into a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with a person involved in…

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March 25, 2026

County News / Education / Emergency Management / News You Can Use

Training Tomorrow’s First Responders Today

Counties across the country are struggling to recruit the next generation of firefighters, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers. One Florida county is taking a different approach, building that pipeline before students even graduate high school. In Okeechobee County, public safety career programs are giving students hands-on training and early exposure to careers in fire rescue, 911 dispatch, and law enforcement. The programs are embedded directly into the school day through career and technical education (CTE)…

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March 24, 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

County Government and Structure / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works

Mandatory Charter Government, Open Incorporation – Both Stalled Again

Two bills introduced and heard in the House of Delegates dealing with "structure of local government" matters appear to have been passed over for the 2026 session. One would have required all counties to adopt full executive/council charter government, and the other would have removed county review/approval of proposed municipal incorporations. With the "crossover" deadline now behind us, legislation that has not received approval from its original committee appears more likely to be defeated this…

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March 24, 2026

County Budgets / County News / General Assembly News / Taxes and Revenues

5-Year Assessment Cycle Proposal Appears Dead After Missing Crossover Deadline

A proposal to shift Maryland’s property assessment cycle from three years to five years appears unlikely to advance this session after failing to meet the crossover deadline. MACo opposed HB 1518, citing concerns that the change would increase the lag between real estate market changes and the resources counties rely on to fund essential services. Counties rely on timely, accurate property assessments to maintain stable, predictable revenue streams. Extending the assessment cycle reduces the frequency…

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March 24, 2026

County News / Emergency Management / General Assembly News / MACo Testimony / News You Can Use

General Assembly Advances County Emergency Management Priorities

Two priority bills for county emergency managers are advancing in the General Assembly, both focused on stabilizing funding and bolstering long-term preparedness amid federal uncertainty. HB 953 has passed the House and now moves to the Senate. This bill authorizes transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, providing flexibility when disasters create immediate costs that counties must cover before federal aid arrives. The fund helps bridge that gap when costs…

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March 23, 2026