Read more about the article Technology Is Complicating Public Information Laws…And It’s Getting Worse
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…

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October 15, 2025
Read more about the article MACo’s Information Technology Conference To Focus on Cyber, AI, Modernization, and Federal Policy Updates
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…

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October 14, 2025
Read more about the article A Seat at the Table: MACo’s 24-County Tour Hits St. Mary’s
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…

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October 10, 2025
Read more about the article NACo Cyber Awareness Month Deal: Build Cyber Leadership Skills for Just $1,000
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…

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October 9, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Shutdown Heightens Cyber Risks for Local Governments
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…

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October 7, 2025
Read more about the article Prince George’s Pauses Data Center Approvals Amid Policy Review
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…

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September 24, 2025
Read more about the article Pennsylvania Tests AI in Government
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…

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September 11, 2025
Read more about the article Kent County Launches New & Improved Website
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…

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September 11, 2025
Read more about the article Free Cybersecurity Training Available for Local Govs
Cyber / Information Technology / News You Can Use
Free Cybersecurity Training Available for Local Govs

Maryland state and local employees have an opportunity to sharpen their cybersecurity skills at no cost. The COMET program, launching this fall, offers flexible training tracks designed to prepare government staff for today’s evolving digital threats. In a recent press release, Maryland state and local government employees have an opportunity to boost their cybersecurity skills through BCR Cyber’s COMET program. Starting September 29 and running through November 3, 2025, the program is free for eligible…

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September 10, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Unveils IT Master Plan to Modernize State Services
County News / Cyber / Information Technology
Maryland Unveils IT Master Plan to Modernize State Services

Maryland is setting a new course for how government delivers digital services. The State’s IT Master Plan lays out concrete steps to modernize technology, streamline operations, and expand access for residents, businesses, and communities. The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has released its new Information Technology Master Plan, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernize how the State builds, manages, and delivers technology services. From the press release: To make this Maryland’s decade, we need…

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September 2, 2025
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