Read more about the article Carroll’s Summer Jobs Program Builds Future Workforce
Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Education / Human Resources / Leadership / News You Can Use
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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September 25, 2025
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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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July 30, 2025
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