Kathy Klausmeier is Baltimore County’s 15th County Executive

Kathy Klausmeier was sworn in as Baltimore County’s fifteenth county executive, vowing to focus on growing the economy, continuing historic investments in public schools and higher education, addressing local housing shortages, improving public safety and balancing the County’s $5 billion budget. Klausmeier is the first female county executive in Baltimore County’s history, and will serve the remaining two years of the term vacated by Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr. “I am humbled to be selected as…

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Prince George’s Appoints Valerie Farrar as Acting HR Director

Prince George’s County has announced the appointment of Ms. Valerie A. Farrar as the Acting Director of the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM). With more than 25 years of extensive human resources experience and deep institutional knowledge, Ms. Farrar is well-prepared to lead OHRM. “We are excited to appoint Ms. Farrar to the role of Acting Director of our Office of Human Resources Management,” said Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson. “With more than…

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Fun Fact: Which Maryland County Anchors a Mini Financial Capital of America?

Wicomico County, Maryland, has emerged as a surprising leader in financial activity, with Salisbury being recognized as the top "real" financial capital in America, according to a recent study by Journo Research in collaboration with Plus500. This study analyzed 387 core-based statistical areas across the U.S. to identify key finance hubs, and Salisbury claimed the number one spot. While many associate financial dominance with larger cities like New York or San Francisco, the data highlights…

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Baltimore County Acquires Macy’s Property to Advance Security Square Mall Redevelopment

Baltimore County is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to revitalize Security Square Mall, a long-struggling retail center in Woodlawn. The County has announced the acquisition of the Macy’s store property for $6.5 million, following Macy’s decision to close the location along with 64 other underperforming stores nationwide. The Macy’s store, centrally located within the mall complex, is a critical piece in Baltimore County’s long-term redevelopment plans. With this purchase, the County owns…

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Gov Moore Announces 2025 Economic Growth Agenda

Governor Wes Moore has unveiled his economic growth agenda for the 2025 legislative session. The package includes budget investments and legislative proposals to strengthen Maryland’s economy and continue to build pathways to work, wages, and wealth. Together, we have laid out an economic growth strategy that plays to Maryland's unique strengths—so we can spur business growth and build an economy that works for everyone,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership with the General Assembly, we will make…

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MACo Urges Cost-Effective, Balanced Property Assessment Upgrades

On January 15, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 143 - State Department of Assessments and Taxation and Department of General Services Property Appraisal Aids - Geographic Images with amendments. Accurate property assessments are critical for promoting fairness, transparency, and efficiency in taxation, economic development, and community planning. However, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) has long been constrained by high turnover for real…

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Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget: Navigating County Effects

Governor Wes Moore’s fiscal 2026 spending plan blends fiscal responsibility with targeted investments in education, public safety, and workforce development, alongside substantial tax reforms and funding shifts. It presents opportunities and challenges for counties, pairing increased funding for critical services with new cost burdens and funding uncertainties. The governor's $65.3 billion proposed budget reduces the structural deficit, maintains reserves for economic challenges, and balances targeted investments with cost-cutting measures to address immediate and long-term priorities.…

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AI Strategy & Study Roadmap Submitted to the Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and the Maryland AI Subcabinet are announcing that they have submitted the AI Enablement Strategy & AI Study Roadmap (AI roadmap) to the Maryland General Assembly. The roadmap lays out a 5-part strategy the state will pursue to hasten the safe implementation of AI and machine learning technologies across the state. It also outlines specific studies the state will pursue across 12 critical domains, including catalyzing economic development,…

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St. Mary’s Appoints Ray Bivens as Director of Recreation & Parks

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have announced the appointment of Ray Bivens as the new Director of the Department of Recreation & Parks. Mr. Bivens, a distinguished parks and recreation leader with more than 30 years of experience, will assume his new role on January 27, 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome Ray Bivens to St. Mary’s County,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “His exceptional track record in parks and recreation management and his…

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Maryland Mourns the Loss of MDEM Public Information Officer Ed McDonough

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ed McDonough, a long-time member of the Maryland emergency management community and a dedicated public information officer. Ed’s contributions to the Department of Emergency Management and the greater Maryland community were significant, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Secretary Russ Strickland, in his message to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and State Emergency…

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