Read more about the article Inside Maryland’s Economy: Key Takeaways From #MACoCon Session
Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Labor / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Winter Conference
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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December 18, 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 National Apprenticeship Week: Bridging Workforce Gaps
County News / Education / Human Resources / Labor
National Apprenticeship Week: Bridging Workforce Gaps

Apprenticeships are shaping the future of work—fueling innovation, expanding career opportunities, and addressing critical workforce needs.  The US Department of Labor announced the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23), celebrating a decade of expanding and innovating career pathways through Registered Apprenticeship. This year's theme, “Celebrating 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” is highlighted by over 1,300 events across all US states and territories and over 800 proclamations. The week emphasizes the role of…

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November 19, 2024
Read more about the article Empowering Experience and Elevating New Talent at #MACoCon
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Winter Conference
Empowering Experience and Elevating New Talent at #MACoCon

Bridging the expertise of seasoned employees with the perspectives of emerging talent is key to building a resilient and inclusive workforce. Workforce dynamics are evolving rapidly as employers navigate the challenges of an aging workforce alongside the need to attract and develop new talent. Older employees bring a wealth of institutional knowledge, but retaining them requires thoughtful approaches to workplace flexibility and inclusion. At the same time, building robust pipelines for young adults and non-traditional…

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November 18, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland’s Job Growth Challenge: Navigating Economic Headwinds
Business Affairs / County News / Labor / News You Can Use / Winter Conference
Maryland’s Job Growth Challenge: Navigating Economic Headwinds

Maryland’s job growth rate paints a troubling picture. According to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the Old Line State ranks 49th in the nation with only 0.6 percent growth over the past year. The state lags behind neighbors like Virginia and Pennsylvania, who are outpacing Maryland in both jobs added and overall percentage change. According to the latest data from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland faces several challenges related to business competitiveness: 49th in…

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November 12, 2024
Read more about the article MD’s Wage Range Transparency Act: FAQs for Employers
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD’s Wage Range Transparency Act: FAQs for Employers

The Maryland Department of Labor released frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employers on the Wage Range Transparency Act. Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act took effect on October 1, 2024. The Act adds significant new requirements to the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work laws. Public sector employers must understand these new rules to stay compliant. A recent Ogletree Deakins article discusses the Wage Range Transparency Act. The Act mandates that employers disclose certain information in…

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November 8, 2024
Read more about the article Harford Looks To Improve Volunteer First Responder Recruitment
Labor / Public Safety and Corrections
Harford Looks To Improve Volunteer First Responder Recruitment

Officials from the Harford County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Association recently met with County Council members to discuss ways to improve recruitment for first responders with local volunteer fire and EMS programs. First responders make an indispensable contribution in local public service delivery. Both professional and volunteer organizations are integral to the overall function of emergency services. While many public service positions are facing staffing challenges, volunteer roles, in particular for firefighting and emergency…

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November 5, 2024
Read more about the article MD Workforce Update: Job Gains and Economic Trends
County News / Labor / Winter Conference
MD Workforce Update: Job Gains and Economic Trends

Maryland added 2,700 private-sector jobs to its workforce in September 2024, increasing employment growth to 1.2% year-to-date. Maryland’s economy continues to show resilience, with 2,700 new private-sector jobs added this month, according to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this growth, Maryland’s year-to-date employment increase now stands at 1.2%, slightly above the national average of 1.1%. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.9% for the month, one of the lowest…

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November 4, 2024
Read more about the article MD’s Public Employee Relations Board Faces Leadership Vacancy
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD’s Public Employee Relations Board Faces Leadership Vacancy

Maryland’s Public Employee Relations Board faces a leadership gap, which underscores the importance of effective leadership in Maryland’s public workforce. As reported by Maryland Matters, the Maryland Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), established to streamline labor relations for state government workers, is facing a critical leadership challenge. With Chair Michael Hayes’s unexpected resignation, Governor Moore’s administration is racing to fill vital roles essential to the Board’s operation. The Board could set labor law precedents that…

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October 31, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy 
Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Labor / Winter Conference
Maryland Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy 

Discover the latest economic trends and how they might effect your county's ability to navigate workforce challenges and fiscal responsibilities. As Maryland counties face ongoing economic challenges, understanding the broader trends shaping local economies is crucial. Economist Daraius Irani, a seasoned expert in regional economic development, will present an in-depth update on Maryland’s economic landscape, offering insights into the forces influencing everything from workforce dynamics to fiscal stability. In his presentation, Dr. Irani will unpack…

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October 28, 2024
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