Read more about the article NACo Announces AI Exploratory Committee
Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues
NACo Announces AI Exploratory Committee

County leaders and partners to examine best practices and considerations for deploying AI. The National Association of Counties (NACo) is pleased to announce the formation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploratory Committee, which will examine emerging policies, practices, and potential applications and consequences of AI. People worldwide recognize AI's potential in the economy and public sector. America’s counties need to be prepared to address this innovation with the realization that AI technology is here to…

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May 24, 2023
Read more about the article QUIZ: How Do You Interact with Artificial Intelligence?
Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Public Safety and Corrections
QUIZ: How Do You Interact with Artificial Intelligence?

Answer 6 simple questions to test your basic knowledge of how people interact with artificial intelligence in everyday life.  Artificial intelligence is flooding markets in novel ways while Pew Research says only a fraction of the U.S. population can identify ways they are actively using it everyday. This type of technology, and its emerging use in the public sector, has become a recurring theme of various legislation proposed during recent legislative sessions. Proposed policies have…

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May 16, 2023
Read more about the article NACo Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Academy
County News / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues
NACo Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Academy

Protecting data assets and the enterprise brand is vital to being a cybersecurity leader.  This online 12-week collaborative readiness program led by Fortune 500 CISOs delivers a proven framework and insight on how to lead and secure a network and an organization. The Enterprise Cybersecurity Academy is built on three core tenets: accessibility, relevance and efficiency and focuses on addressing five critical capabilities gaps:  The 12 weekly modules are: The Security Leadership Mindset The Art…

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May 15, 2023
Read more about the article Pandemic Leftovers: Is Virtual Learning Here to Stay?
Coronavirus / Education / Information Technology
Pandemic Leftovers: Is Virtual Learning Here to Stay?

Virtual learning during the pandemic and its leftover impact on American education is shaping how we view and do school for generations to come The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our image of schooling in the short term and seemingly in the long term, for generations of American students. Aspects of remote and virtual learning have remained a major component of ongoing education programs in Maryland and around the country -- even “post” pandemic. Some school districts…

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May 10, 2023
Read more about the article Eight Maryland Counties on Brookings National ARPA Spending Tracker
County Budgets / Information Technology
Eight Maryland Counties on Brookings National ARPA Spending Tracker

Online tool details funding amounts with per-project descriptions and insights on where ARPA money landed in Harford, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and more.  Different counties have different needs and priorities even in times of crisis. Having the ability to peek next door and see how things were done differently or slightly the same offers great insight into strategies for other scenarios and circumstances. Fodder for like-minded initiatives comes to mind, plugging a hole in an existing…

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May 4, 2023
Read more about the article Comcast Expands High-Speed Network in St. Mary’s County
Broadband / County News / Information Technology
Comcast Expands High-Speed Network in St. Mary’s County

Comcast has announced it is expanding its Xfinity 10G Network to more than 17,500 additional homes and businesses across 450 miles in St. Mary's County, delivering its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services. Construction has begun, and the project – which includes communities in Broad Creek, California, Callaway, Great Mills, Lexington Park, and Wildewood – will roll out in phases, with the expansion expected to be complete in 2028. "On behalf of the…

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May 2, 2023
Read more about the article Charles County Receives $3 Million to Expand Rural Broadband Access
Broadband / County News
Charles County Receives $3 Million to Expand Rural Broadband Access

The Charles County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Governor Wes Moore is awarding $2,960,126 to expand high-speed internet access to an estimated 427 households and businesses across Charles County through Connect Maryland. Connect Maryland is an initiative to close the digital divide through the Office of Statewide Broadband. The Connect Maryland Network Infrastructure Grant Program made 35 awards to Internet Service Providers and local jurisdictions to construct new broadband networks to service unserved…

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April 18, 2023
Read more about the article Baltimore City Launches New Digital Equity Fund
County News / Information Technology
Baltimore City Launches New Digital Equity Fund

Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, through the Baltimore City Information & Technology's (BCIT) Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE), moves one step closer to closing the digital divide with the launch of the Digital Equity Fund. The initiative supports the creation of community-led digital inclusion plans and provides funding for communities to bring those plans to life. The Digital Equity Fund is initially seeded with $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.…

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April 17, 2023
Read more about the article 2023 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2023 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. In addition to the swearing-in of a new governor, comptroller, attorney general, and legislators alike, the 445th legislative session kicked off with more relaxed health and safety measures compared to the turbulence of the last few years. With the 2023 session in the books, it's time to take stock. As…

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April 14, 2023
Read more about the article 2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology
Broadband / Cyber / General Assembly News / Information Technology
2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Information Technology

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo's advocacy on IT/cybersecurity issues in the 2023 General Assembly.  Information technology is a growing area of importance for MACo as county governments rely on increasingly sophisticated computer systems for a widening scope of operations – including public safety applications, open government portals, billing functions, and emergency alert systems. As information technology evolves, cybersecurity and data privacy are top of mind for county governments. In addition to…

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April 12, 2023
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