Read more about the article The Business Case for a Welcoming Workplace at #MACoCon
Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Winter Conference
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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December 3, 2024
Read more about the article Comment Time Extended for New Federal Heat Exposure Rules
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
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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December 3, 2024
Read more about the article Engaging Employees, Retaining Talent: Strategies for Success
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Winter Conference
Engaging Employees, Retaining Talent: Strategies for Success

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, an expert panel will share insights and actionable strategies for creating an engaged, committed workforce and transforming recruitment and retention challenges into opportunities for growth. An engaged workforce isn’t just productive—it’s the backbone of effective public service. Employee engagement directly impacts recruitment, retention, and organizational success, especially as counties navigate workforce shortages and increased service demands. Recruitment challenges, employee burnout, and high turnover rates hinder progress in county governments.…

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December 3, 2024
Read more about the article Montgomery Board of Education Releases 2025 Legislative Priorities
Education
Montgomery Board of Education Releases 2025 Legislative Priorities

The Montgomery County Board of Education released a 16-page legislative platform for the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. The eight-member Board of Education (BOE) for Montgomery County has released its 2025 legislative priorities for the Board's advocacy in the coming session. They hope for this report to clarify the needs and interests of the jurisdiction around education policy. As the largest school system in Maryland and the 17th largest in the country, the sheer scale…

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November 26, 2024
Read more about the article MD Launches Nation’s First Public Procurement Apprenticeship Program
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Winter Conference
MD Launches Nation’s First Public Procurement Apprenticeship Program

Maryland is transforming public service with the launch of the nation’s first-ever public procurement apprenticeship program, paving the way for a skilled and dynamic workforce. Maryland launched the Future of Procurement Apprenticeship—the nation’s first apprenticeship program dedicated to public procurement. Announced by the Office of Governor Wes Moore, the pilot program is spearheaded by the Maryland Department of General Services and aims to train the next generation of skilled procurement professionals while promoting workforce development…

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November 26, 2024
Read more about the article Surveys: Younger Adults Have Evolving Workplace Expectations
Employee Benefits and Relations / Winter Conference
Surveys: Younger Adults Have Evolving Workplace Expectations

Hiring and retaining employees from younger generations increasingly appears to depend on adopting new workplace standards and practices regarding DEI, wellness, social concerns, and the environment. Recent surveys from Gallup and Deloitte show the shifting demographics and priorities of younger generations in the workplace. For local governments, this could signal a need to adopt workplace policies and practices that can respond to these interests and expectations. What those changes are exactly is dependent on a…

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November 26, 2024
Read more about the article Upgrades Launched Early for Federal Student Aid Application
Education / Health and Human Services / Higher Education
Upgrades Launched Early for Federal Student Aid Application

The U.S. Department of Education launched the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early. Enhancements to these procedures will enable local school-based and human service teams to connect students and families in need with vital resources more efficiently.   As previously covered on Conduit Street, updates to modernize and enhance the federal student aid application process have been underway. As of last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education made the new application available in advance…

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November 25, 2024
Read more about the article Celebrating Maryland’s NACo Leadership Academy Graduates – Join the Next Cohort!
County News / Education / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Celebrating Maryland’s NACo Leadership Academy Graduates – Join the Next Cohort!

MACo is pleased to congratulate the National Association of Counties (NACo)  Leadership Development Academy November cohort of Maryland graduates.   They join over 10,000 graduates and current participants from across the country benefitting from the 12-week online program enabling existing and emerging county leaders to achieve their highest potential. Afeworki Fessehaie, Program manager I, Montgomery County Brian Riley, Director - ICT Department, Queen Anne's County - Cybersecurity Brice Strang, Director of Administration, Dorchester County Danielle Hornberger,…

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November 22, 2024
Read more about the article Local Family Resource Boards Brief Joint Committee on Legislative Priorities
Education / Health and Human Services
Local Family Resource Boards Brief Joint Committee on Legislative Priorities

Leadership from the Local Management Boards affiliate of MACo shared legislative concerns and initiatives with General Assembly members this Wednesday.  The Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families received a briefing from MACo affiliate members regarding the current circumstances and priorities for local management boards (LMB) statewide. As they prepare advocacy efforts, sharing information with relevant committees and stakeholders is vital to making certain local concerns are heard. The entire meeting from yesterday can be…

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November 21, 2024
Read more about the article Advocates at Recent Rally Focus on Tweaks to Pre-Kindergarten Resources
Education
Advocates at Recent Rally Focus on Tweaks to Pre-Kindergarten Resources

Pre-kindergarten expansion has not kept pace with estimated timelines and advocates believe language barriers play a role.  Last weekend, a group of advocates from the Maryland Just Power Alliance came together to rally on behalf of a handful of legislative initiatives the group hopes to pass during the 2025 legislative session. Pre-kindergarten (pre-k) expansion to three and four year old children was on the list of efforts to focus on. Of particular importance in this…

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November 19, 2024
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