Howard Announces New Opportunity & Economic Mobility Center

Howard County Government has announced the purchase of the 9755 Patuxent Woods Drive building in Columbia, with the intention of housing several County departments. This new building will become their new opportunity and economic mobility center.  From the press release: "This year has been a challenging one for many of our residents, who were negatively impacted by federal government level cuts and the historic shutdown. With more than 50,000 government employees and contractors calling Howard…

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Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices

As federal action on prescription drug costs remains limited, states across the country are stepping in with new laws to make medications more affordable for residents. According to an article from Stateline, in 2025 alone, at least 31 states have enacted nearly 70 laws targeting various parts of the complex drug pricing system, from Pharmacy Benefit Managers to drug manufacturers. Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are increasingly footing the bill. Counties…

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Changes AHEAD in MD’s Health Care Model?

Maryland’s hospital payment system has long kept costs low, hospitals stable, and care accessible, but the model now faces a major turning point. As the state’s Total Cost of Care waiver nears expiration and Maryland prepares to transition to the federal AHEAD model, potential sweeping changes to hospital payments and healthcare costs could have significant effects on counties as employers and public sector health plan sponsors. Introduction For decades, Maryland has stood apart in how…

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Health Care Costs Keep Climbing for Public Employers

Public employers face rapidly rising health care costs, straining already-tight local budgets. While there are a few immediate fixes, long-term solutions are possible through coordinated action. In a Governing article, health care premiums for 2026 are set to rise far faster than inflation or tax revenues, leaving public employers and employees alike bracing for another expensive year. With costs driven by new treatments, high-priced drugs, and aging workforces, local governments are likely to face increased…

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Maryland Leads in Federal Job Losses

Maryland continues to bear the brunt of federal workforce cuts, having lost thousands of jobs since January. With federal employment a cornerstone of Maryland’s economy, local effects are expected to deepen as additional reductions take effect this fall. In a recent Maryland Matters article, Maryland lost 2,500 federal jobs in August, marking the second straight month the state has led the nation in federal workforce cuts. Since January, Maryland has lost 15,100 federal jobs, nearly…

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Prescription Drug Affordability Board Discusses Policies to Address High-Cost Medications

Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board is discussing recommendations to address the rising costs of high-priced medications. The discussion highlights both the drivers of affordability challenges and potential solutions, including upper payment limits that could ease strain on residents and county budgets alike. Maryland was the first state in the nation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019. Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) convened to review policy recommendations and discuss strategies for making…

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Apprenticeships Gain Ground as Key Pathway in Higher Education

Apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a vital complement to traditional higher education. They can be a powerful tool to strengthen local workforce pipelines and expand opportunity. As higher education evolves, leaders are rethinking how best to prepare students for the workforce. A recent Baltimore Sun commentary highlighted the growing importance of apprenticeships as part of the future. State Senator Cory McCray’s new memoir, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, illustrates the value of this approach.…

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Carroll’s Summer Jobs Program Builds Future Workforce

Counties across Maryland are continually seeking innovative ways to prepare young people for the workforce. Carroll County has a program that does this and strengthens connections with local businesses. This year, Carroll County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) matched 37 high school students with 18 local businesses, providing six weeks of real-world work experience in various industries, including technology, retail, and recreation. The program doesn’t just place kids in jobs; it builds confidence, career readiness,…

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Community Colleges Streamline Pathways to Skilled Jobs

As employers struggle to fill critical jobs, community colleges are responding with flexible training that connects students to careers more quickly.  In a recent article from Governing, a growing shortage of skilled workers is slowing economic growth nationwide, with 71 percent of employers saying they cannot find the talent they need. Community colleges are stepping up to address this challenge by offering faster, more flexible training models that better match the realities of today’s students…

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Webinar: Big Changes Ahead in MD’s Hospital Payment Model

Maryland’s long-standing hospital rate-setting system is entering a new phase. A two-part webinar series will help counties and health plan sponsors understand what’s changing and how it may affect healthcare costs. Maryland’s long-standing Total Cost of Care (TCOC) waiver is set to expire, and the next phase of federal policy, the AHEAD Model, could bring sweeping changes to hospital payments and healthcare costs. These shifts will have major implications for counties as  employers and public…

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