Information Technology Archives

Information Technology / Summer Conference

Cyber Security Strategies for County Government

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Comcast! About Comcast: The Comcast products and services provide a significant value and are scalable to meet the needs of your organization. Comcast treats customer service with the utmost importance; as such, they assign a dedicated account executive to your account to ensure the best customer experience. Their network is built to serve your business today…

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July 21, 2026

Preparing Communities for AI Risks Facing Older Adults at #MACoCon

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life, helping older adults safely navigate its opportunities and risks is an increasingly important role. Artificial intelligence is changing how people access information. From virtual assistants and online banking to healthcare portals and customer service chatbots, AI-powered tools are becoming commonplace, and increasingly unavoidable. At the same time, scammers are leveraging these same technologies to create increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, making it more difficult than ever to distinguish…

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July 20, 2026

Information Technology / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference

New Technologies Offer Counties New Tools for Safer, Smarter Detention Centers

As local detention centers continue to modernize operations, artificial intelligence is emerging as a new tool with potential applications beyond traditional technology. A recent Urban Institute report highlights how AI systems are beginning to assist correctional facilities with administrative tasks, movement tracking, documentation requirements, and more—functions that consume significant staff time in facilities already facing workforce shortages. By automating routine processes, these tools can allow correctional officers and detention staff to spend more time on…

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July 14, 2026

County News / Economic Development / Environment / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use

Upcoming Webinar Explores County Approaches to Data Center Growth

As Maryland continues to see rapid growth in data center development, county officials are increasingly navigating complex questions around land use, infrastructure, energy demand, and economic development. To help explore these issues, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV), in partnership with MACo, will host its next Conservation Conversations webinar on Wednesday, July 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Unlike previous Conservation Conversations that examined data centers through a statewide policy lens, this discussion…

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July 14, 2026

Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Summer Conference

Bipartisan Bill Would Study AI’s Impact on Older Adults

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into daily life, a bipartisan group of US senators is seeking to better understand how these technologies are affecting older Americans. In a recent press release, US Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) have introduced the Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act, legislation that would direct federal research into how AI tools, including chatbots and voice assistants, are shaping the lives of older adults. The…

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July 14, 2026

County News / Information Technology / Summer Conference

To Bot or Not To Bot? The Promise and Panic of Chatbots at #MACoCon

The conversation around artificial intelligence is shifting from whether counties should use these tools to how they can use them responsibly. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday operations, but "AI" can mean very different things depending on the technology being used. While much of the public conversation has focused on generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, many in the public sector are evaluating or already deploying chatbots designed for specific tasks, such as answering…

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July 13, 2026

Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Information Technology

Special Edition: The Briefing Room Talks Data Centers, Fact vs. Fiction

Instead of this week's regular Conduit Street Podcast, we're bringing you a bonus episode of The Briefing Room in response to a high-interest topic from our recent energy series. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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July 10, 2026

Cyber / Information Technology / News You Can Use

ASPA Webinars To Explore AI’s Growing Role in Local Government

Artificial intelligence continues to generate conversation across all levels of government, from improving operational efficiency to strengthening oversight and expanding access to public services. The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) will host two webinars examining how AI is being applied to various challenges facing public-sector organizations. There’s an Algorithm for That: AI in the Fight Against Fraud Thursday, July 16 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET This webinar will examine how digital programs and AI-powered tools…

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July 9, 2026

Broadband / Information Technology / Summer Conference

Building Maryland’s Next-Generation Fiber Infrastructure Across Counties

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Maryland Broadband Cooperative! About Maryland Broadband Cooperative: Maryland Broadband Cooperative is a pioneering not-for-profit organization under 501(c)12 status, committed to revolutionizing network services across the state. Our cooperative model empowers our members to deliver expanded, world-class network solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Maryland’s communities. We are dedicated to fostering economic development and ensuring that…

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July 9, 2026

Information Technology / Labor

Research Finds AI Is Changing Jobs More Than Eliminating Them

Artificial intelligence has become an easy target as hiring slows and job seekers face a more competitive market, but new research suggests the technology is not the primary reason for today's employment challenges. As covered in a Baltimore Banner article, a collaborative study led by researchers at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business analyzed 155 million US job postings between 2018 and 2025 and found no evidence that AI is reducing…

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July 8, 2026