County News Archives

Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce: Insights and Initiatives

Maryland is taking strategic steps to address evolving workforce challenges amidst a rapidly changing labor landscape. From early student engagement to supporting older workers, workforce experts and policymakers are focusing on inclusive, forward-thinking solutions. The Honorable Senator Jim Rosapepe moderated an informative session at the New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at the MACo Summer Conference. Panel speakers included: Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor Kirkland Murray, President, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Board…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Human Resources / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management / Summer Conference

Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

When tragedy strikes, it’s often the first responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others—who arrive first on the scene. While they work tirelessly to support our communities, who supports them when the emotional and psychological toll becomes too much? Recently, several experts and advocates came together to highlight the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), trauma-informed care, and proactive mental health support for those on the front lines. The Honorable Senator Cheryl Kagan moderated an…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Public Information and Ethics / Summer Conference

Understanding Ethics in Public Service: Conflicts, Compliance, and Accountability

Attendees learned about ethics in local government as part of the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance. Moderator: The Honorable Todd Ireland, Commissioner, Vice President, Calvert County Speaker: Todd Turner, Esq., Executive Director, Office of Ethics and Accountability, Prince Georges County In any organization, trust is the foundation of effective leadership and citizen confidence. But trust isn't built overnight, it requires ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability from all public officials and employees. Officials fill out the…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: What to Know About Maryland’s Changing Coastline

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about how counties can prepare for future risks while supporting safe, sustainable growth in coastal communities. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Maryland’s counties are on the front lines of a changing Chesapeake Bay. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent disasters are already straining local resources—and will increasingly impact development patterns, infrastructure planning, and land use decisions. This session will explore the critical services our coasts…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use

Maryland Appeals Disaster Declaration Denial

Maryland is escalating its fight for federal disaster relief after historic May floods in Western Maryland, with Governor Wes Moore announcing a formal appeal of the White House’s denial now that FEMA has validated damages nearly three times above the federal threshold for assistance. Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland is formally appealing the denial of the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following catastrophic flooding across Western Maryland in May. The move…

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August 19, 2025

County News / Parks and Recreation / Summer Conference

More Than Just Green Space: How Parks Are Transforming Maryland

When we think about what makes a community vibrant, healthy, and economically strong, parks and recreation may not always be the first thing that comes to mind. But perhaps they should be. Across Maryland—from the 30,000 acres of parkland in Prince George’s County to over half a million acres statewide—parks are proving to be more than just green spaces. They are economic drivers, public health assets, and powerful tools for community development. The Honorable Delegate Regina…

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August 19, 2025

County News / Planning and Zoning / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

The Evolving Role of Drones in Modern Government Operations

While drones have become well-established tools in public safety operations—particularly for emergency response and law enforcement—their utility in government operations is rapidly expanding into diverse and impactful areas. These include infrastructure inspection, land surveying, environmental monitoring, traffic management, and even public communication during events. The Honorable Senator William Folden moderated an informative session at the There’s a Drone for That: Streamlining Public Services with Aerial Assistance. Panel speakers included: Katherine Munson, Planning Manager, Natural Resources…

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August 19, 2025

County Government and Structure / Public Information and Ethics / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Academy for Excellence Attendees Hone Skills for Conducting Effective Public Meetings

Participants in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance refined their knowledge of the proper use of rules and protocol during public meetings, especially virtual hearings, to ensure public trust and engagement. Council and Commission meetings are the backbone of local government in Maryland and are one of the primary ways residents can share their opinions and concerns, oversee government business, and understand the use of taxpayer dollars. These are also run by individuals who…

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August 19, 2025

Read more about the article Fun Fact: A Journey to the Secret Falls Oasis in This MD County

Image by Ruth Henry - We Love Maryland Facebook Page

County News / Fun Fact

Fun Fact: A Journey to the Secret Falls Oasis in This MD County

Round Falls in Baltimore, Maryland is a hidden oasis found in the middle of the city. The manmade falls provide Baltimore with a serene location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Once part of a dam that powered an early 19th-century grist mill, Round Falls is quietly tucked away from the bustle of Baltimore. There is a short, rugged path through the woods near Druid Hill Park that leads to a clearing…

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August 14, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology

Some States Stay Ahead of SharePoint Exploit With Strong Cyber Practices

An uncovered vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint triggered concern across public and private sectors, but some states are staying ahead of the threat. With proactive patching, layered defenses, and cloud-first strategies, states like Missouri and Indiana offer reminders that strong cybersecurity practices pays off. Previously covered by MACo, a newly discovered security flaw in Microsoft SharePoint set off a wave of cyberattacks targeting governments, universities, and private organizations, including multiple US federal and state agencies. The…

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August 7, 2025