Feature Archives

Special Session Will Choose New House Speaker, Consider Veto Overrides

Maryland lawmakers will return to Annapolis on Tuesday, December 16, for a special session called to elect a new Speaker of the House of Delegates. The session follows Speaker Adrienne Jones’ decision to step down after more than six years in the role. Governor Wes Moore issued the order earlier this week. The House Democratic Caucus will meet that morning to select its nominee, and the whole chamber will vote later that day. House Health…

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December 10, 2025

Feature / General Assembly News

Historic Tenure Ending as Speaker Jones Steps Aside

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones this week announced that she is stepping down after more than six years in the role. Jones made history as the first woman and first Black legislator to serve as Speaker, and her tenure shaped some of the most consequential policy debates in recent memory. The announcement came during a meeting of House committee chairs in Annapolis. Jones did not attend the meeting but released a written statement saying her…

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December 5, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Feature

Cecil Completes $49.6M Public Improvement Bond Issuance, Affirms Strong Credit Ratings

Cecil County has successfully completed the issuance of $49,650,000 in Public Improvement Bonds to support key projects outlined in the County’s adopted Capital Improvement Plan. The bond proceeds will fund critical investments in emergency services, law enforcement, Cecil College, public schools, libraries, roadway enhancements, and major public works initiatives. Ahead of the issuance, the County’s credit strength was reaffirmed with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s Investors Service and an AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s,…

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December 3, 2025

Dana Jones

Feature / Winter Conference

Women of MACo To Welcome Delegate Dana Jones as Featured Speaker

Maryland State Delegate Dana Jones will address MACo Winter Conference attendees at this year's Women of MACo reception. A hallmark of the annual MACo Winter Conference is the chance to engage with leaders from all levels of government on county priorities and interests. This year, the Women of MACo Reception will welcome Delegate Dana Jones, the current president of the Women’s Caucus, as their guest speaker, highlighting her continued leadership in Maryland’s Legislature. Attendees will…

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December 2, 2025

County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Winter Conference

Preview the 2026 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This resource is a handy guide to the top issues your legislators will tackle in 2026. It is an excellent preparation document for county officials before meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services, the 2026 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also an excellent resource for county officials…

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December 2, 2025

Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Congress Reopens Government, New Shutdown Deadline Looms: What Counties Need To Know

Congress passed a short-term agreement to end the shutdown and restart federal operations, stabilizing paychecks and contract flow for Maryland’s federally driven economy. The package runs only through January 30, keeping the state just weeks away from another potential lapse. Maryland felt the shutdown more than most due to its high concentration of federal employees, a large federal contracting base, and small businesses that lost income they will likely never recover. The bill provides full-year…

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November 13, 2025

Read more about the article Fiscal Reality Check: State Projects $1.4B Shortfall, With Deficits Climbing Toward $4B

Source: DLS

County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

Fiscal Reality Check: State Projects $1.4B Shortfall, With Deficits Climbing Toward $4B

Maryland’s budget picture has darkened. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) informed lawmakers this week that the State now faces a $1.4 billion shortfall in fiscal 2027, nearly five times larger than the projection made in the spring. The updated forecast from DLS, presented to the Spending Affordability Committee, indicates that slower revenue growth, higher baseline costs, and statutory transfers to the Rainy Day Fund have significantly altered Maryland’s fiscal trajectory. From Surplus to Shortfall…

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November 12, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues / Policy Deep Dive

Deep Dive: From Promise to Reversal — Maryland’s Last Stand for the FBI HQ

This article is part of MACo's Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. Read all of MACo's Policy Deep Dives. A years-long effort to bring the FBI's new headquarters to Prince George's County has reached a turning point, one that could redefine Maryland's relationship with federal partners and the future of regional economic development. The Short Version The State of Maryland and Prince…

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November 6, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Pitching Policy & Fielding a Federal Shutdown – A DC View with Congressman Johnny O

A federal shutdown hits close to home in Maryland. This week, Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr. joins the Conduit Street Podcast to talk about the pressure on local governments, how his Baltimore County experience guides his work in Washington, DC, and why practical, bipartisan focus matters when residents feel the squeeze. 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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October 30, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Housing and Community Development / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works

MACo Adopts 2026 Legislative Initiatives

In the 2026 General Assembly Session, MACo will prioritize restoring Highway User Revenues to support safe, reliable local infrastructure, expanding local housing tools, rebalancing the State–local partnership for school construction, and protecting county budget security. This week, the MACo Legislative Committee adopted the Association’s Legislative Initiatives for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session. While the Committee will take positions on hundreds of bills, these four issues represent counties’ top priorities for the year. RESTORE HIGHWAY…

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October 29, 2025