Read more about the article Community Colleges Streamline Pathways to Skilled Jobs
Business Affairs / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor
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…

Comments Off on Community Colleges Streamline Pathways to Skilled Jobs
September 24, 2025
Read more about the article Webinar: Big Changes Ahead in MD’s Hospital Payment Model
Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
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…

Comments Off on Webinar: Big Changes Ahead in MD’s Hospital Payment Model
September 22, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era
Cannabis / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era

Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland, the conversation around workplace policies has only intensified, especially for public sector employers managing safety-sensitive roles. At MACo’s Summer Conference, a panel of human resources, legal, labor, and public safety leaders unpacked the complex and often conflicting forces shaping local government policy in this evolving space. Tom Coe, Fire Chief for Frederick County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services, opened with a reality check on what cannabis…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era
August 20, 2025
Read more about the article Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce: Insights and Initiatives
County News / Economic Development / Human Resources / Summer Conference
Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce: Insights and Initiatives

Maryland is taking strategic steps to address evolving workforce challenges amidst a rapidly changing labor landscape. From early student engagement to supporting older workers, workforce experts and policymakers are focusing on inclusive, forward-thinking solutions. The Honorable Senator Jim Rosapepe moderated an informative session at the New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at the MACo Summer Conference. Panel speakers included: Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor Kirkland Murray, President, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Board…

Comments Off on Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce: Insights and Initiatives
August 20, 2025
Read more about the article Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
County News / Human Resources / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management / Summer Conference
Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

When tragedy strikes, it’s often the first responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others—who arrive first on the scene. While they work tirelessly to support our communities, who supports them when the emotional and psychological toll becomes too much? Recently, several experts and advocates came together to highlight the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), trauma-informed care, and proactive mental health support for those on the front lines. The Honorable Senator Cheryl Kagan moderated an…

Comments Off on Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
August 20, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: County Diversity Leaders Encourage Perseverance During Tough Times
Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: County Diversity Leaders Encourage Perseverance During Tough Times

The professional and social world around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming more challenging to navigate but local leaders encourage perseverance in the face of adversity.  The 2025 MACo Summer Conference session, "The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World," brought together leaders in the equity field to discuss some of the difficulties they are facing as the most recent backlash against DEI initiatives continues. This adversity is coming at a…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap: County Diversity Leaders Encourage Perseverance During Tough Times
August 18, 2025
Read more about the article New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at #MACoCon
Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference
New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at #MACoCon

In today’s economic environment, county governments are pivotal in driving local economic growth and workforce development. In particular, finding the right candidate for a specific role takes an even more dynamic strategy to reach untapped talent. Successfully navigating the complexities of intentionally leveraging certain areas of the workforce can foster a resilient local economy and increase stability and independence for residents. The below 2025 MACo Summer Conference session hosts an expert panel to share best…

Comments Off on New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at #MACoCon
August 4, 2025
Read more about the article Up in Smoke? Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era 
Cannabis / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference
Up in Smoke? Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era 

As legal cannabis use becomes more common, local governments are caught navigating evolving workplace rights and public safety responsibilities. With no clear test for impairment and increasing legislative pressure, counties must find a path forward that protects both their workforce and their communities. Since Maryland voters approved adult-use cannabis legalization in 2022 and retail sales launched in 2023, the implications for employers, especially public sector employers, have rapidly evolved. While cannabis use is now legal…

Comments Off on Up in Smoke? Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era 
August 4, 2025
Read more about the article Drug Affordability Board Finds First Two Meds May Be Too Costly
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
Drug Affordability Board Finds First Two Meds May Be Too Costly

Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) just took a major step toward reining in the rising cost of prescription drugs. With two widely used drugs now flagged as affordability challenges, the state is laying the groundwork for cost-cutting measures that could affect budgets and benefit plans alike. In an effort to tackle the high cost of prescription drugs, Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has unanimously determined that two common Type 2 diabetes medications, Jardiance…

Comments Off on Drug Affordability Board Finds First Two Meds May Be Too Costly
July 30, 2025
Read more about the article Trust, Invest, Repeat. Tackling Retiree Health Care Costs
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Finance and Procurement / Human Resources / Policy Deep Dive
Trust, Invest, Repeat. Tackling Retiree Health Care Costs

The MACo OPEB Investment Trust - designed to help counties put current assets to work toward long-term health care liabilities - is performing well, delivering healthy returns, and serving member needs. It recently topped $100m in total assets -- all "put to work" through active investment for a stronger long term return than would be allowable without the Trust infrastructure. The Board of Trustees of the MACo OPEB Investment Trust recently convened a quarterly meeting…

Comments Off on Trust, Invest, Repeat. Tackling Retiree Health Care Costs
July 30, 2025
Newer Posts
Older Posts