Economic Development Archives

Special Bonus Episode: Frederick County’s Data Center Playbook

Following the response to The Briefing Room's energy series, we're revisiting one of the topics that generated the most listener interest: data centers. In this special bonus episode, Dom Butchko is joined by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to discuss why Frederick County has become one of Maryland's leaders in developing local data center policy. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and…

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August 7, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

Maryland Releases First Statewide EV Infrastructure Plan

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released the state's first Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (ZEVIP), providing counties and other local partners with a roadmap for expanding public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years. The plan examines projected EV adoption and charging needs through 2031 while outlining strategies to support future charging investments across Maryland. It is intended to help state agencies, local governments, utilities, and private-sector partners coordinate infrastructure…

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August 6, 2026

Economic Development / Labor / Summer Conference

From Pipeline to Paycheck: Aligning Workforce and Economic Growth at #MACoCon

As industries change, counties are adapting workforce strategies to better meet the needs of both residents and employers. A strong workforce is one of a county's greatest economic assets, but building it requires more than attracting new employers. It depends on ensuring residents have clear, accessible pathways to quality careers while employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow. As industries evolve and labor market demands shift, counties are increasingly working with…

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August 3, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Taxes and Revenues

News or Noise: Redistricting, Revenue, and NBA Hot Takes

Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Karrington Anderson separate the headlines from the hype, discussing Maryland's potential congressional redistricting special session, local health department funding challenges, and a new task force examining county and municipal revenue structures, all before closing with a lively NBA debate. 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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July 31, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology

Montgomery County Streamlines Development Review To Attract Major Employers

Montgomery County has approved a new zoning initiative designed to accelerate development of large, job-creating projects, as part of an effort to attract new employers, strengthen economic competitiveness, and spur private-sector investment. The Job Creation Project zoning amendment establishes an expedited development review process for projects that create at least 200 net new jobs and meet certain economic development criteria. Eligible projects include those in strategic industries identified in the county's Economic Development Strategic Plan,…

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July 30, 2026

Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

FERC Pushes PJM Governance Reforms Amid Data Center Growth

Federal regulators call for governance reforms at PJM as data center demand, rising costs, and reliability concerns place pressure on regional electric grid. Federal regulators are pressing PJM Interconnection to overhaul its governance and decision-making process as rapid data center growth, limited new generation, and rising capacity prices strain the regional power market. Proposed reforms include strengthening the independence of PJM’s board, reducing the ability of industry sectors to block action, and replacing the current…

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July 28, 2026

Economic Development / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Affinity Group Meeting at #MACoCon

Secretary Walter Simmons will join the MACo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Affinity Group to share insights about the new division and how county governments can be good partners in advancing initiatives of the new Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility at #MACoCon. The upcoming 2026 MACo Summer Conference will give county officials an opportunity to learn more about the newly established Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM) and how its work could…

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July 27, 2026

Agriculture / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

PFAS in Rural Maryland at #MACoCon

Hear how PFAS contamination poses growing public health and financial risks for rural counties and the communities they serve. PFAS contamination is a serious concern for rural counties because many residents rely on private wells and small water systems that may have limited capacity to detect, treat, or remove these persistent chemicals. Contamination can also affect agricultural soils, livestock, crops, and irrigation water, creating potential risks for the food supply and significant economic consequences for…

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July 27, 2026

County Budgets / Economic Development / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development

The Briefing Room: Inside the Private Side of Housing Finance

Building affordable housing takes more than public funding. Private lenders and investors play a critical role in turning plans into completed projects. In Episode 4 of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Jordan Bishop of JPMorganChase to explore the private side of the capital stack - the financing that helps transform housing plans into completed communities. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you…

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July 21, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections

Baltimore City Expands Community Action Lab to Southeast District

Following the successful launch of its Community Action Lab earlier this year, the City of Baltimore is expanding the program to a second police district, giving more residents the opportunity to help lead neighborhood revitalization and public safety efforts. Applications are now open for the second Community Action Lab cohort, which will serve residents, community partners, and small business owners in the Baltimore Police Department's Southeastern District. The 12-week paid leadership program equips participants with…

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July 16, 2026