Information Technology Archives

Workgroup Endorses State-Funded, Statewide 3-1-1 System to Support County Services

Maryland’s 3-1-1 Workgroup has approved a plan to launch a State-funded, AI-enabled nonemergency service system — a first-of-its-kind model designed to ease pressure on 9-1-1 centers, modernize customer service, and connect residents to help faster. Maryland’s 3-1-1 Workgroup has unanimously endorsed recommendations to establish the nation’s first statewide, AI-supported 3-1-1 platform — a significant step toward improving customer service, streamlining resident requests, and reducing the growing nonemergency workload on 9-1-1 centers. The Workgroup to Study…

Comments Off

October 16, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology

Maryland Lawmakers Eye Potential AI Legislation in 2026

Artificial intelligence is changing how Maryland works and learns. State lawmakers are preparing new measures to guide its use responsibly and strategically in the next legislative session. In a recent article from The Baltimore Sun, Maryland lawmakers are preparing to consider a slate of AI-related proposals aimed at both safeguarding the public and encouraging innovation when the General Assembly returns in January. As previously covered by MACo, local governments are increasingly adopting AI for a variety…

Comments Off

October 15, 2025

Cyber / Information Technology / Policy Deep Dive / Public Information and Ethics

Technology Is Complicating Public Information Laws…And It’s Getting Worse

Technology advancements continue to threaten to blow the wheels off the public information access process in Maryland and beyond. State and local officials are sounding the alarm but oversight committee stops short of meaningful recommendations to tackle the issues. Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) is a cornerstone of open government, designed to ensure transparency and accountability at every level of public service. For county governments in particular, the PIA can present a complex balancing act…

Comments Off

October 15, 2025

Information Technology / MACo Events

MACo’s Information Technology Conference To Focus on Cyber, AI, Modernization, 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 November 20 and will feature deep-dive content revolving around county tech challenges and priorities. All county elected officials and professionals are invited to register for the first annual conference hosted by MACo's IT Affiliate, focusing on issues and challenges unique to county government tech needs…

Comments Off

October 14, 2025

County Government and Structure / County News / Economic Development / Education / Emergency Management / Employee Benefits and Relations / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Planning and Zoning

A Seat at the Table: MACo’s 24-County Tour Hits St. Mary’s

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson...goes solo? Just kidding! He does set the stage, however, for a special recording from St. Mary’s County, where MACo President and Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson joins Michael for a briefing with St. Mary’s County leaders to talk all things local governance. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the…

Comments Off

October 10, 2025

County News / Cyber / Education / Information Technology / News You Can Use

NACo Cyber Awareness Month Deal: Build Cyber Leadership Skills for Just $1,000

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), the National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering exclusive scholarships that reduce the enrollment cost for the NACo Cybersecurity Leadership Academy to just $1,000. This limited-time opportunity empowers local government leaders to build critical cybersecurity and leadership skills that help protect county networks, data, and residents. The NACo Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership Academy is an online, 10-week collaborative readiness program led by Fortune 500 CISOs and peers, delivering a proven framework…

Comments Off

October 9, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues

Federal Shutdown Heightens Cyber Risks for Local Governments

With a federal shutdown, local governments face a growing cyber threat landscape, as fewer federal experts are available to call on for help. State and local governments must stay prepared to defend their systems as bad actors exploit uncertainty and stretched resources. As the federal government shutdown continues, cybersecurity experts warn that local agencies may face a surge in sophisticated phishing and ransomware attacks. With reduced federal support, counties may need to be prepared to…

Comments Off

October 7, 2025

Energy / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning

Prince George’s Pauses Data Center Approvals Amid Policy Review

The Prince George’s County Council has adopted a resolution temporarily pausing approvals for new data centers while it considers comprehensive legislation on zoning, siting, and construction standards for these facilities. On September 16, the Council approved CR-98-2025, introduced by Council Member Wala Blegay and co-sponsored by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford, Ingrid Watson, and Thomas Dernoga. The measure establishes a 180-day moratorium on permits and subdivision plans for data centers, which…

Comments Off

September 24, 2025

Cyber / Information Technology

Pennsylvania Tests AI in Government

Pennsylvania is putting artificial intelligence to the test in state government, with a pilot program already showing measurable time savings for employees. The initiative highlights both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with adopting emerging technology in the public sector. In a recent article from Pittsburgh's Public Source, Pennsylvania is testing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in government operations through a year-long pilot program that could offer lessons for state and local governments across…

Comments Off

September 11, 2025

County News / Information Technology / News You Can Use

Kent County Launches New & Improved Website

Kent County has unveiled the redesign of its county government website According to their press release, "...our focus was a modern, user-focused platform built to better serve our residents, visitors, and businesses." The project was completed in collaboration with both the Information Technology and Economic and Tourism Development departments. Key Improvements and Features: Navigation & Modern Design Mobile-Friendly Experience Updated Visuals & Branding News Section for Updates Across the County Live Social Media Feeds Redesigned…

Comments Off

September 11, 2025