Feature Archives

MACo Highlights County Role in MD’s Economic Future at MEDA Winter Conference

On January 15, MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson joined state and regional economic leaders as a panelist at the Maryland Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) 2026 Winter Conference for a session titled “2026 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development.” The conference provided a timely forum for public- and private-sector leaders to examine Maryland’s economic competitiveness and discuss policy priorities likely to shape the 2026 legislative session, particularly as the State confronts a looming budget deficit and slowing…

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January 15, 2026

Agriculture / Environment / Feature / News You Can Use

Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation Now Accepting Applications

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Program is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Easement Cycle. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 50 contiguous acres, land outside of the 10-year water and sewer plan for the county, and a minimum of 50% Class I, II or III soils. For more information on eligibility and the MALPF easement acquisition process, visit https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Fact-Sheets.aspx The mission of MALPF is: to preserve productive farmland and woodland for the…

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January 15, 2026

Feature / Winter Conference

Employment Practices and Legal Considerations

The Academy Course - Employment Issues provided valuable insight into preferred employment practices and the legal restrictions associated with hiring, termination, promotion, and employee discipline. Emphasis was placed on risk management strategies, including recruitment practices, employee supervision, and effective documentation. Mr. Karpinski highlighted the importance of consistency in employment actions, noting supervisors must consider whether their decisions are equitable and uniformly applied across all employees. Speaker: Kevin Karpinski, Partner, Karpinski, Cornbrooks…

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December 17, 2025

County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Winter Conference

“There’s No Money”: State Leaders Preview the 2026 Session at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, legislative leaders and administration officials offered a blunt preview of the fiscal landscape facing Maryland heading into the 2026 session. The discussion centered on budget constraints, economic competitiveness, energy costs, and the growing pressure on counties as State decisions ripple outward. Frederick County Council Member and 2026 MACo President MC Keegan-Ayer moderated the General Assembly Forecast session and kept the conversation grounded in the local impacts counties experience first when…

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December 17, 2025

Feature / General Assembly News / News You Can Use

Historic Transition as House Elects Peña-Melnyk Speaker

During a special session this week, the Maryland House of Delegates elected Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the next Speaker, marking another historic moment for the chamber as it prepares for a challenging fiscal and policy year ahead. Speaker Peña-Melnyk becomes the first Afro-Latina and immigrant to lead the House. She steps into the role with unanimous support from her colleagues following Speaker Adrienne Jones’s decision earlier this month to step aside after more than six years…

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December 16, 2025

County News / Feature / Winter Conference

2026 MACo Leadership Installed at Winter Conference

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is pleased to announce the installation of the 2026 Board of Directors and Officers. On Thursday evening, December 11, 2025, the Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, installed the MACo Board of Directors for 2026. The installation took place at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland, during the MACo Winter Conference Inaugural Banquet. I am so incredibly humbled and so honored to be able to serve you as…

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December 12, 2025

Feature / General Assembly News

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