MDE Hosting Public Engagement Meetings on Draft Climate Change Plan
County News / Economic Development / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
MDE Hosting Public Engagement Meetings on Draft Climate Change Plan

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is hosting a series of public engagement meetings and webinars to provide residents with the opportunity to learn about and provide input on its draft climate change plan. The draft plan outlines what the State and local governments will need to do to reduce in-state greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from their 2006 levels by 2030 and prepare for further reductions in the future. Counties or other interested…

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January 14, 2020
County News / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Now Available: FY 21 Heritage Tourism Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is now accepting applications for FY21 grants. The purpose of the program is to assist and encourage the preservation of historical, archaeological, natural, and cultural resources and support economic development through heritage tourism across Maryland. Eligible applicants for MHAA funding include non-profit organizations, and local, state, and federal government entities. Businesses and individuals are not eligible to participate. MHAA grants support both capital (acquisition, new construction, and historic preservation)…

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January 6, 2020
Maryland General Assembly to Consider Affordable Housing Measures
Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Maryland General Assembly to Consider Affordable Housing Measures

During the 2020 General Assembly Session legislators will examine proposals intended to increase the availability of affordable housing in Maryland. Delegate Vaughn Stewart intends to introduce the "Homes for All" package of bills that includes the creation of a fund for public housing, a revamp of tenant protections, and changes to single-family zoning. As States identify shortages in affordable housing, new ideas to increase the availability have become topics of discussion, and changing single-family zoning…

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January 3, 2020
Virginia to Consider Statewide Density Increase Measures
Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Virginia to Consider Statewide Density Increase Measures

Virginia's Legislature will contemplate a bill that would permit duplexes in all single-family zoned areas. The move comes after Oregon passed legislation effectively banning single-family zoning in June, and as previously reported on Conduit Street, Minneapolis eliminated their single-family zoning requirement in October. As states consider ways to increase the availability of affordable housing, proposals have included the addition of duplexes to single-family zoning, and allowing the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to single-family…

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December 24, 2019
Frederick Appoints Kay as Director of Citizens Services Division
Christine Kay (photo courtesy of Frederick County Government)
County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources
Frederick Appoints Kay as Director of Citizens Services Division

The Frederick County Council on Tuesday approved County Executive Jan Gardner's appointment of Christine Kay as Director of the Frederick County Citizens Services Division. “Christine brings outstanding leadership experience in human services,” Executive Gardner said. “She has a reputation for strong collaboration across agencies. She brings energy, big ideas, and a wealth of expertise. I am confident she will do an outstanding job for the citizens of Frederick County." According to a press release: As…

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December 19, 2019
Smart Growth Subcabinet Answers County Questions at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Finance and Procurement / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Smart Growth Subcabinet Answers County Questions at #MACoCon

Counties received updates on a wide array of key policy issues at the MACo 2019 December Winter Conference during the "A Chat with the Smart Growth Subcabinet" panel on December 4. The Smart Growth Subcabinet oversees and advises on Maryland’s growth policies and laws. During the panel, its members provided updates on land use, environmental, housing, economic development, and transportation issues chosen by county elected officials and staff.   Issues covered by the Subcabinet included:…

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December 10, 2019
Improving Census Participation Means More $$$ at #MACoCon
County Budgets / Economic Development / Education / Emergency Management / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Improving Census Participation Means More $$$ at #MACoCon

Attendees to the MACo 2019 December Winter Conference learned about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census and how to achieve higher participation rates among undercounted communities during the "2020 Census: The Foundation of Our Future" panel. The paenl was held on December 4. Maryland Secretary of Planning Robert McCord explained the importance of the census to state and local funding and how census data is used. McCord highlighted how the Maryland Department of…

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December 10, 2019
Short-Term Rental Revolution: What’s Your Game Plan?
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues / Winter Conference
Short-Term Rental Revolution: What’s Your Game Plan?

Lodging is evolving through technology, as many tourists and visitors now seek to stay in shared spaces and other short-term lodging alternatives. While short-term vacation rentals can help diversify tourism by promoting areas that need visitors the most and reducing overcrowding in tourist hotspots, significant challenges remain regarding the regulation and fair and equitable taxation of short-term rental properties. At the MACo Winter Conference session, “Short-Term Rental Revolution: What’s Your Game Plan?” an expert panel…

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December 9, 2019
Preview the 2020 Session “Big Picture”
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Preview the 2020 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 that your legislators will be tackling in 2020 – a great preparation document for county officials in advance of meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), the 2020 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also…

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December 6, 2019
Join Secretary Rona Kramer at Women of MACo Reception
Secretary Kramer
Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Join Secretary Rona Kramer at Women of MACo Reception

Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Rona Kramer will be the special guest speaker for #MACoCon's Women of MACo Reception on December 4. The Women of MACo chapter organization provides a forum for female elected and appointed officials and professionals to network and discuss topics related to being a female leader. All conference participants are invited to attend this reception and hear from Secretary Kramer. Secretary Kramer will be also discussing the Maryland Community for Life…

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November 25, 2019
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