Read more about the article Prediction Markets, AI Agents, and Who Sets the Rules
County News / Cyber / Economic Development / Government Liability and Courts / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Public Safety and Corrections / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
Prediction Markets, AI Agents, and Who Sets the Rules

From betting on election outcomes to AI agents acting on their own, emerging technologies are raising new questions about regulation, accountability, and the role of government. On this week's Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome back Ben Yelin of the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law for a "tech talk" about the rapidly changing technology landscape. Tune in to the…

Comments Off on Prediction Markets, AI Agents, and Who Sets the Rules
October 16, 2026
Read more about the article Federal Grant to Expand Rural Maryland Workforce Training
Cyber / Economic Development / Labor
Federal Grant to Expand Rural Maryland Workforce Training

A $2.38 million federal grant will help nine Maryland colleges and universities strengthen workforce training and connect rural students with internships and employment opportunities in high-demand fields. As covered in a Baltimore Sun article, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) announced the Maryland Rural Pathways to Prosperity Network, which aims to serve 1,000 students through career advising and job training. The program will focus on in-demand careers such as aerospace, cybersecurity, education, health care, high-tech…

Comments Off on Federal Grant to Expand Rural Maryland Workforce Training
October 15, 2026
Read more about the article Baltimore County Streamlines Development Review, Expands Online Records Access
Rain drops rippling in a puddle
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Risk Management
Baltimore County Streamlines Development Review, Expands Online Records Access

Baltimore County has launched a new online groundwater records portal and standardized stormwater requirements for certain agricultural projects, expanding efforts to simplify regulatory processes and improve access to county services.   The improvements are part of Baltimore County Builds, an ongoing initiative to make development, permitting, and regulatory processes more efficient and easier to navigate for residents, businesses, and property owners. The County's new Ground Water Management Records Portal provides 24/7 access to public records…

Comments Off on Baltimore County Streamlines Development Review, Expands Online Records Access
October 14, 2026
Read more about the article Baltimore County Launches Toolkit To Support Community-Led Revitalization
County News / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Planning and Zoning
Baltimore County Launches Toolkit To Support Community-Led Revitalization

Baltimore County has launched a new resource to help community organizations navigate planning, permitting, and other steps involved in improving public spaces and strengthening neighborhoods. The Baltimore County Department of Planning has introduced a new Placemaking Toolkit designed to help residents, neighborhood associations, Main Street groups, and other community organizations turn ideas for public spaces into projects. The toolkit provides step-by-step guidance on navigating permitting requirements, selecting project sites, engaging residents, and hiring artists or…

Comments Off on Baltimore County Launches Toolkit To Support Community-Led Revitalization
October 8, 2026
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: News or Noise? What Matters Now, What Comes Next
County News / Cyber / Elections / Energy / Environment / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Conduit Street Podcast: News or Noise? What Matters Now, What Comes Next

The Conduit Street Podcast monthly roundup of “News or Noise?” is back, as we dig into the headlines from recent weeks, looking for the real takeaways.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

Comments Off on Conduit Street Podcast: News or Noise? What Matters Now, What Comes Next
October 2, 2026
Read more about the article Harford Taps Real-Time Weather Data To Strengthen Emergency Response
County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Risk Management
Harford Taps Real-Time Weather Data To Strengthen Emergency Response

Three locations in Harford County have joined the Maryland Mesonet, giving county emergency officials access to more localized, real-time weather data to help prepare for and respond to severe weather. The network's weather stations, known as mesonet towers, measure conditions including temperature, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and soil moisture. Harford County Emergency Services can use the information to monitor changing conditions and make more informed decisions before and during weather-related emergencies. The statewide network…

Comments Off on Harford Taps Real-Time Weather Data To Strengthen Emergency Response
September 24, 2026
Read more about the article MACo’s Oct 22 Information Technology Conference To Focus on County IT Priorities, Cybersecurity, and Federal Policy Updates
County News / Feature / Information Technology / MACo Events
MACo’s Oct 22 Information Technology Conference To Focus on County IT Priorities, Cybersecurity, and Federal Policy Updates

In addition to MACo’s Summer and Winter Conferences, the Association holds several annual events focusing on specific topics within county service areas. The County Information Technology Conference is scheduled for October 22 and will feature deep-dive content revolving around county tech challenges and priorities. All county and state elected officials and professionals are invited to register for this annual conference hosted by MACo's IT Affiliate, focusing on technology issues and challenges unique to county government.…

Comments Off on MACo’s Oct 22 Information Technology Conference To Focus on County IT Priorities, Cybersecurity, and Federal Policy Updates
September 22, 2026
Read more about the article Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland
County News / Information Technology / Labor
Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland

A new state framework outlines priorities for responsible AI development, workforce training, and protections for residents. Governor Wes Moore announced a new AI framework focused on three priorities: protecting residents from emerging AI-related risks, preparing workers for changes brought by the technology, and keeping children safe. The framework calls for potential regulations on frontier AI companies, including safety testing, independent evaluations, worker protections, whistleblower protections, public reporting, and incident reporting. It also directs state agencies…

Comments Off on Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland
September 22, 2026
Read more about the article Local Cybersecurity Grants; Applications Due September 22
Cyber / Information Technology
Local Cybersecurity Grants; Applications Due September 22

Maryland is making more than $4.9 million available to strengthen cybersecurity across state and local governments through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). As previously covered by MACo, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Department of Information Technology, and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Planning Committee are releasing another round of funding through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Applications for funding will be accepted through September 22, 2026.…

Comments Off on Local Cybersecurity Grants; Applications Due September 22
September 17, 2026
Read more about the article MACo’s Fall Symposium Explores AI Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties
County News / Information Technology / MACo Events
MACo’s Fall Symposium Explores AI Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday government operations, creating new opportunities for counties while also raising important questions about responsible implementation. At the 2026 MACo Fall Symposium on September 14, county leaders, technology professionals, legal experts, and more gathered at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis to explore how local governments can harness AI while protecting residents and public trust. The one-day symposium, “Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties,” focused on the practical realities…

Comments Off on MACo’s Fall Symposium Explores AI Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties
September 16, 2026
Older Posts