Empowering Experience and Elevating Talent at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, panelists explored innovative strategies for bridging generational gaps and building a resilient, inclusive workforce. At the recent panel, experts delved into the evolving workforce landscape, addressing the challenges and opportunities of supporting an aging workforce while cultivating young and non-traditional talent. Panelists shared actionable strategies for showcasing the power of investing in apprenticeship programs to develop future talent pipelines. Attendees gained practical insights into growing inclusive workplaces that maximize employees'…

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Engaging Employees and Retaining Talent at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, panelists explored strategies to tackle workforce challenges and build a thriving team with engaged employees in county governments. County governments are tackling workforce challenges head-on, addressing recruitment hurdles, burnout, and retention struggles with innovative solutions. In this panel, experts shared how workplace flexibility, recognition programs, and career development initiatives are transforming employee engagement. Attendees heard presentations on cutting-edge benefits supporting work-life balance, mental health, and childcare and learned strategies to…

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Inside Maryland’s Economy: Key Takeaways From #MACoCon Session

At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees heard from Dr. Irani about the latest economic trends that affect county governments and Maryland. Economist Daraius Irani delivered a comprehensive and engaging update on Maryland's economy, emphasizing its effects on county governments. His presentation highlighted key national and regional trends, including steady GDP growth, rising consumer spending, and challenges such as workforce shortages and inflationary pressures. Attendees learned about Maryland’s labor market dynamics, including a decline in labor…

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Trust and Patience Are Key to Anti-Bias Initiatives in the Workplace at #MACoCon

Human resource and diversity, equity, and inclusion experts from around the state discussed the importance of patience and building trust when establishing anti-bias initiatives in the workplace. While sometimes challenging at the onset, a thoughtful and consistent approach can have a major impact on productivity and employee satisfaction.  As employers and service providers, counties can benefit from fostering strong connections with their employees and community members. A respectful and supportive work environment is not just…

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Conduit Street Podcast: Maryland’s Fiscal Crisis and County Implications

Maryland faces a growing fiscal crisis, with projections of a nearly $6 billion structural deficit by 2030. This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, our hosts are back to their old tricks, digging into the latest (bad) news about the State's fiscal situation and looking at the road ahead.   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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DLS Report: All Counties Met or Exceeded School Funding Requirement

The Department of Legislative Services and the State Department of Education confirm all 24 jurisdictions met the FY25 education funding mandate while it was almost $340M over forecast with about 30,000 fewer students enrolled. In a recent report released by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, with data from the Maryland State Department of Education, state officials outlined the fiscal outlook and challenges for funding education in Maryland. A portion of that analysis focuses on…

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Stacy L. Rodgers Joins UBalt Schaefer Center as Executive in Residence

Stacy L. Rodgers, former Baltimore County Administrative Officer, will serve as an executive in residence with The University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy. In this executive post, Rodgers will support aspiring public servants in the center's NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program through mentorship and co-curricular activities; serve as a guest lecturer in the center's training programs; and identify new partnerships and research opportunities for the Schaefer Center and UBalt's College of Public…

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MD Invests $1.8M to Strengthen Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline

Governor Moore awarded $1.8 million to BCR Cyber and the Maryland Association of Community Colleges to strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity talent. Governor Wes Moore recently announced a $1.8 million investment to expand cybersecurity training at Maryland’s 16 community colleges. This funding, secured in partnership with US Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, will support the creation of cyber ranges—interactive, simulated training platforms that provide hands-on learning. From the press release: “Maryland's pathway to national leadership…

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The Business Case for a Welcoming Workplace at #MACoCon

Surveys show that younger populations want more consideration from employers regarding not only "what they do" but often "who they are," seeking identity-based recognition. A number of recent surveys have shown that younger populations have different expectations for workplace culture than prior trends have revealed. These are populations that in more instances seek equity and protections from employers when it comes to individual, identity-based needs and services. As public service employers find it increasingly difficult…

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Comment Time Extended for New Federal Heat Exposure Rules

The federal government has extended the comment period for its proposed heat safety rule, giving stakeholders more time to weigh in on protecting workers from extreme heat. The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed rule aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in indoor and outdoor workplaces. Originally set to close on December 30, 2024, the comment period will now remain open…

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