Read more about the article Cybersecurity Funding Available to MD Local Governments
Cyber / Information Technology
Cybersecurity Funding Available to MD Local Governments

Cybersecurity threats continue to target local governments and public infrastructure across Maryland, but new state and federal resources are available to help communities strengthen their defenses. 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, with applications opening in August 2026. For federal FY 2024, Maryland was awarded $4.9…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article WV Builds Data Center Strategy Around Growth and Local Revenue
County Budgets / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / Planning and Zoning / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
WV Builds Data Center Strategy Around Growth and Local Revenue

West Virginia is pairing incentives for data center development with a statewide plan to distribute new revenue among host counties, infrastructure needs, and tax relief. West Virginia is positioning itself as a major destination for data center development, with state officials announcing two new projects valued at more than $81 billion. The announcements build on a broader push that state leaders say has generated approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment and more than 19,000 projected…

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September 8, 2026
Read more about the article MACo Fall Symposium – Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties
Information Technology / MACo Events
MACo Fall Symposium – Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

Every year, MACo hosts a one-day symposium for county officials and professionals to dive deeply into a hot topic. The 2026 Fall Symposium will be held on September 14 and will focus on artificial intelligence responsibilities and opportunities for counties. MACo Fall Symposium September 14, 2026 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Crowne Plaza Annapolis Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties  Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way governments serve residents, support employees, and make…

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September 4, 2026
Read more about the article Feds Set to Unveil Cyber Program for Water Utilities
Environment / Information Technology / Transportation and Public Works
Feds Set to Unveil Cyber Program for Water Utilities

Federal officials are preparing a new cybersecurity program to help water and wastewater utilities strengthen defenses against growing cyber threats. The federal government is preparing to launch a new cybersecurity assistance program aimed at helping water and wastewater systems strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks. Led by the Office of the National Cyber Director, the initiative is expected to connect states and utilities with private-sector cybersecurity firms. The effort is particularly focused on systems with limited…

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August 31, 2026
Read more about the article News or Noise: Blueprint Pressure, AI Surveillance, and College Sports
County News / Cyber / Education / Information Technology / News You Can Use
News or Noise: Blueprint Pressure, AI Surveillance, and College Sports

Summer Conference is in the rearview mirror, but many of the conversations shaping Maryland policy are just getting started. In the latest round of News or Noise, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Sarah Sample for a look at the headlines, policy debates, and emerging issues that could follow county leaders from #MACoCon into the 2027 legislative session.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article From AI to Drones, Montgomery County Puts Technology To Work & Earns National Recognition
Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards
From AI to Drones, Montgomery County Puts Technology To Work & Earns National Recognition

Montgomery County earned national recognition for technology and process improvements that are changing how employees work, how residents access information, and how government services are delivered. Among the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award winners is Project Bluejay, a drone program developed by the Department of Permitting Services to make inspections faster, safer, and more precise. Drones can access stormwater systems, sediment basins, green roofs, steep grading sites, roofs, and other difficult…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Howard County Takes Top Honors for Technology That Makes Government Work Better
Broadband / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards
Howard County Takes Top Honors for Technology That Makes Government Work Better

Howard County earned national recognition for a broad portfolio of technology and administrative initiatives designed to make government more transparent, secure, efficient, and easier to navigate. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards was HoCo Dash 2.0, which earned Best in Category in Information Technology. The platform transforms large projects, initiatives, and performance measures into concise, visually engaging stories designed to help residents better understand what County government is doing and…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article FCC Proposal Could Preempt Local Broadband Permitting Authority
Broadband / County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning
FCC Proposal Could Preempt Local Broadband Permitting Authority

The Federal Communications Commission is considering new rules that could preempt local authority over broadband permitting, including project timelines, fees, and access to public rights-of-way. The FCC is considering new federal standards aimed at speeding up wireline broadband deployment. The proposal includes mandatory timelines for local approvals and potential limits on the fees local governments can charge providers. The National Association of Counties (NACo) is actively engaging with the FCC as the rulemaking moves forward.…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Calvert County’s Digital Transformation Earns Three National Awards
Cyber / Information Technology / NACo Achievement Awards
Calvert County’s Digital Transformation Earns Three National Awards

Calvert County earned three 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for technology initiatives aimed at modernizing county government, strengthening employees’ digital skills, and making services more accessible to residents. Building a Responsible Approach to AI As artificial intelligence becomes more common in the workplace, Calvert County took a structured approach to introducing the technology across county government. The County’s AI Change Champion Network was created to guide the responsible adoption of ChatGPT Enterprise.…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Summer MACoCon Is Over but the Conversations Continue
County Budgets / County News / Cyber / Elections / Energy / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Information Technology / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
Summer MACoCon Is Over but the Conversations Continue

The 2026 Summer MACoCon might be over, but many of the conversations that filled the convention center's halls are ongoing. In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym is joined by Karrington Anderson and Dominic Butchko to look back at what stood out at MACoCon and, more importantly, what comes next. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in…

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August 21, 2026
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