Intergovernmental Relations Archives

Howard Opens Largest Flood Mitigation Pond Under Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Serena McIlwain and other state and local leaders to cut the ribbon on the H-4 Flood Mitigation Pond, a critical Ellicott City (EC) Safe and Sound project. As previously covered on Conduit Street, Ball announced the EC Safe and Sound plan in December of 2018, just weeks after taking office. This is the third and largest retention pond to be substantially…

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September 11, 2025

Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations

One-Time $64M Grant Opportunity for Local Governments

The Local Government Energy Modernization Program (L-GEM) offered through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is OPEN. The mission of the L-GEM program is to support local governments as they engage in sustainable, long-term clean energy and energy-efficient projects that lead to reduced energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, increased cost savings, and robust clean energy and economic development. By empowering local governments to lead by example, the program aims to inspire community-wide engagement and drive…

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August 25, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Feature / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference

Live From Summer #MACoCon With Comptroller Brooke Lierman

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you a special treat from the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, and it might involve MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson taking a turn with the Crab Feast band! But the feature comes to us from a great 2025 #MACoCon 1-on-1 session is Comptroller Brooke Lierman. 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 22, 2025

County Budgets / Intergovernmental Relations / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Summer Conference

Comptroller Lierman Outlines Fiscal Challenges and Priorities at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, fiscal issues took center stage as Comptroller Brooke Lierman joined county leaders for a wide-ranging discussion on Maryland’s budget outlook and its impact on local governments. MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson moderated the session, guiding a conversation that covered revenue projections, federal uncertainty, and long-term budget obligations. Comptroller Lierman described her office’s role not only in collecting revenues but also in serving as a fiscal watchdog, projecting future revenues, and…

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August 20, 2025

Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference

Senator Van Hollen Connects with Counties at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, federal issues took center stage as Maryland’s senior US Senator, Chris Van Hollen, joined county leaders for a wide-ranging town hall discussion. This year marked Senator Van Hollen’s first time headlining MACo’s Federal Forum, a tradition long carried by Senator Ben Cardin. Van Hollen’s debut carried on that legacy of direct dialogue between Maryland’s federal delegation and county officials. Frederick County Council Member MC Keegan-Ayer moderated the forum, guiding an…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations

Frederick Explores Makerspace Growth With New Feasibility Study

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has released the results of a comprehensive feasibility study assessing the county’s makerspace network. A makerspace is a shared space where people can use tools and equipment to build, create, and bring their ideas to life. Conducted by Jon Stover & Associates (JS&A) and supported by TEDCO, the study concluded that Frederick provides opportunities to support and strengthen the makerspace ecosystem and outlines a path forward for…

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August 7, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues

US Senate Committee Strips Van Hollen Amendment Protecting FBI HQ Funds for Prince George’s

The US Senate has stripped language from a spending bill that would have limited how the federal government could spend funds already set aside for a new FBI headquarters — a setback for Maryland leaders working to prevent the president from reversing the General Services Administration’s decision to relocate the agency to Prince George’s County. Maryland US Senator Chris Van Hollen secured the provision last week with bipartisan support from the Senate Appropriations Committee. The…

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July 18, 2025

County News / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use

Carroll Commissioner Ed Rothstein Appointed Maryland Veterans Secretary

Governor Wes Moore has appointed Carroll County Commissioner and MACo Board Member Ed Rothstein to serve as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Rothstein, a retired Army colonel and longtime public servant, will assume the role on Thursday, August 1, 2025. Rothstein brings decades of leadership experience in both military and civilian roles, including his time as garrison commander at Fort Meade, where he supported over 227,000 personnel across five states.…

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July 14, 2025

Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

July 24 Comptroller Briefing: Federal Impact on MD Economy

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman will host an online briefing to review findings from her recent report, "Federal Impact on Maryland's Economy." Register now to attend this timely and important fiscal discussion. Last month, the Comptroller of Maryland released a report on the Federal Impact on Maryland’s Economy. This report was done in partnership with the University of Maryland Smith Business School. To ensure the information in the report is presented to partners in Government, Comptroller…

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July 10, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues

Feds Scrap Their Own Process, Snub Maryland FBI HQ Site

The FBI now plans to stay in Washington, DC — a move that undercuts years of bipartisan work and disregards the federal government’s established selection process. Federal officials announced this week that the agency will remain in Washington, DC, abandoning the previously approved plan to relocate the FBI to Greenbelt in Prince George’s County. The decision strips Maryland of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for economic growth, regional investment, and federal equity. After decades of planning and…

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July 2, 2025