Read more about the article Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating, Signals Economic Strain
Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating, Signals Economic Strain

Moody’s Investors Service announced a downgrade of the US credit rating, citing surging federal debt, rising interest payments, and long-term revenue challenges. The Moody’s downgrade drops the nation’s credit rating from its top-tier AAA status, marking a historic shift in the agency’s long-held confidence in US credit stability. This action follows similar moves by Fitch in 2023 and Standard & Poor’s back in 2011. Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating by one notch, more than…

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May 19, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating as Economic Pressures Mount
Feature / Finance and Procurement / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating as Economic Pressures Mount

Maryland’s long-standing reputation for top-tier financial stability took a hit this week as Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the state’s bond rating from AAA to Aa1. The action marks the first time Maryland has fallen from the highest credit rating tier in over three decades. This shift could significantly affect Maryland's borrowing costs and financial outlook, and signals growing concern over the state’s long-term fiscal stability. With higher interest rates likely for future bond sales, the…

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May 14, 2025
Read more about the article Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Rising Risks of Stagflation
Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Rising Risks of Stagflation

The Federal Reserve announced it will maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.25% to 4.5%, citing growing risks of higher unemployment and inflation. The decision reflects the Fed’s cautious approach amid volatile economic signals, fueled partly by ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. Economic Uncertainty and Stagflation Concerns In its latest assessment, the Fed highlighted the rising potential for stagflation — a scenario where inflation remains high despite stagnant economic growth. Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged…

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May 13, 2025
Read more about the article S&P Issues MD Transportation Authority “Negative Outlook” Amid Bridge, Capital Pressures
Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use / Transportation and Public Works
S&P Issues MD Transportation Authority “Negative Outlook” Amid Bridge, Capital Pressures

The Maryland Transportation Authority’s financial outlook took a hit last week, as S&P Global Ratings revised the agency’s bond outlook from stable to negative. The agency kept MDTA’s "AA-" credit rating in place but warned that rising costs, revenue uncertainty, and delayed reimbursements could trigger a downgrade. S&P cited a one-in-three chance of a rating drop if risks materialize and financial conditions worsen. Big Projects, Big Pressure MDTA operates Maryland’s tolled roads, bridges, and tunnels…

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April 30, 2025
Read more about the article Fitch Affirms Washington County’s Sound Stewardship Ahead of Bond Sale
County News / Finance and Procurement
Fitch Affirms Washington County’s Sound Stewardship Ahead of Bond Sale

Fitch Ratings has assigned Washington County an AA+ rating for its upcoming $17.685 million public improvement and refunding bond sale, reflecting the County's firm financial footing and effective fiscal management. Fitch also affirmed an AA+ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and outstanding general obligation bonds. The rating outlook remains stable. Proceeds from the bond sale, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, will finance various county improvement projects and refinance outstanding bonds to achieve interest savings. Fitch…

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April 28, 2025
Read more about the article State Archives To Offer Government Free Land Records Access
County News / Courts / Finance and Procurement / Planning and Zoning
State Archives To Offer Government Free Land Records Access

The Maryland State Archives, manager of the central land records database, has confirmed their plan to offer a governmental exemption from their planned user fee system to start this spring.  In correspondence with MACo, the State Archives have indicated: Those who access mdlandrec.net regularly for government business purposes will be asked to fill out a request form when logging into the site. With this information, we will ensure that those users will not have to pay for access. This form…

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April 23, 2025
Read more about the article Fitch Affirms St. Mary’s County’s AAA Credit Rating
County News / Finance and Procurement
Fitch Affirms St. Mary’s County’s AAA Credit Rating

Fitch Ratings affirmed St. Mary’s County’s AAA credit rating this week. The rating helps maintain low borrowing costs for capital projects and underscores the County’s strong financial management, economic stability, and long-term planning. In addition, Fitch has assigned a AAA rating to the following St. Mary’s County general obligation (GO) bonds: $30,000,000 St. Mary’s County Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds – 2025 Series The GOs are backed by the County’s full faith and credit and unlimited taxing…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025
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