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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#MACoCon: Counties Navigate the Human Side of AI

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, county leaders will explore one of local government’s fastest-moving workplace challenges: how to manage artificial intelligence responsibly across county operations. Artificial intelligence is already changing how employees draft documents, analyze information, communicate with residents, and complete everyday work. As counties continue adopting these tools, they also face important questions about governance, accountability, records retention, cybersecurity, hiring, employee use, and public trust. The Human Side of AI: Managing Risk, Trust,…

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Digital Tools To Connect Families With the Safety Net

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 Nava!  About Nava:  Nava’s founders recognized that modern technology skills could help our public institutions be more effective, efficient, and adapt to the challenges of the digital age. In 2015, they formed Nava as a public benefit corporation to transform government services, programs, and agencies using skills in engineering, data, design, and product delivery. As a technology company…

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Moving From AI Hype to Digital Workforces

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 Workday!  About Workday:     Workday is a leading cloud-based software platform that helps organizations manage their human resources, payroll, finance, planning, and workforce operations in one integrated system. Workday serves thousands of businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations around the world, providing tools that streamline administrative processes, improve decision-making through real-time data, and enhance the employee experience. Known for its…

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Howard County Expands Free Wi-Fi Network at Columbia Lakefront

Years of investment in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion continue to reshape connectivity across Howard County. Howard County is continuing to expand broadband access and digital inclusion efforts, with new free public Wi-Fi now available at the Columbia Lakefront. The expansion increases access to Howard County's public Wi-Fi network, which now includes 118 locations at parks, libraries, community centers, senior centers, and other public facilities throughout the county. From the press release: Access to the…

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Conduit Street Podcast: Different States, Similar County Challenges

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko and Kevin Kinnally record from the Conference of Southern County Associations (CSCA) in Williamsburg, Virginia, joined by county leaders and policy experts from across the South for a discussion on the issues shaping local government today. 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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Governor Moore Appoints Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible AI

Governor Wes Moore announced Michael Boyce as Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the State of Maryland. According to the Office of Governor Moore, Maryland will expand its efforts to deploy artificial intelligence responsibly across government operations, with Governor Wes Moore announcing Michael Boyce as the State's new Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence. In this role, Boyce will advise the Governor, the Department of Information Technology, and Maryland's AI Subcabinet as the…

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Rural Maryland Council Seeks Input on Community Needs and Priorities

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to participate in a survey to help shape future investments and policy priorities for rural communities across the state. The survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help inform RMC's legislative advocacy efforts, program priorities, and future funding decisions. Feedback will also support planning for the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund and two key grant programs: the Maryland Agricultural…

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Federal Bill Could Restore Free Cybersecurity Services for Local Govs

A new federal proposal from US Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) aims to restore and strengthen cybersecurity support for state and local governments through renewed funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). In a recent article from Government Technology, the proposed federal Guaranteeing Universal Access to Cybersecurity Act would provide $50 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027 to support the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), a program operated by the…

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Deep Dive: Beyond the ADA Digital Accessibility Deadline

In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a clarifying decision finalizing updated regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 2024 final rule formally adopts the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the minimum accessibility standard for public-facing digital content maintained by state and local governments. Background Since its enactment in 1990, the ADA has served as a fundamental civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities from…

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