Read more about the article Check Out MDOT’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Webinar
Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
Check Out MDOT’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Webinar

MDOT recently recorded a webinar for counties interested in participating in the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.  MDOT has developed a technical guidance webinar on the exciting $3.35 billion Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program that is accepting applications until September 28. The program aims to fund planning and construction efforts to restore community connectivity, improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education and healthcare, and foster equitable development and access to opportunity in…

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August 31, 2023
Read more about the article Navigating Multiple Priorities: Counties and the Challenge of Limited Resources
Agriculture / County Budgets / Economic Development / Education / Emergency Management / Energy / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
Navigating Multiple Priorities: Counties and the Challenge of Limited Resources

This article is part of MACo’s Deep Dive series, where expert analysts explore and explain the top county issues of the day. A new article is added each week – read all of MACo’s Deep Dives. Local autonomy is a core principle of Maryland’s political system. At its most basic level, local autonomy means empowering county leaders to solve county problems. This empowerment lends counties a unique and, at times, misunderstood perspective. Often, advocates and stakeholders…

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August 31, 2023
Read more about the article Register now for the NACo 2023 Rural Action Caucus (RAC) Symposium
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Register now for the NACo 2023 Rural Action Caucus (RAC) Symposium

Interested parties are invited to register today for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Action Caucus (RAC) 2023 Fall Symposium in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Elected and appointed county officials, national thought leaders, and partners will identify rural challenges and elevate solutions through information exchanges and policy discussions. This unique event is an opportunity to engage with your peers and national experts on topics important to rural America, including broadband deployment, rural development, workforce challenges,…

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August 31, 2023
Read more about the article Talbot Economic Development Testifies before Senate Hearing in Worcester
Economic Development / Intergovernmental Relations
Talbot Economic Development Testifies before Senate Hearing in Worcester

Earlier this month the United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing in Worcester County.  On August 17th, in the town of Berlin, Worcester County, Senator Ben Cardin gavelled in a hearing of the United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship entitled, Learning to Succeed in America’s Dynamic Economy. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Andy Harris were in attendance. The focus of the hearing was how the federal…

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August 30, 2023
Read more about the article Watch This to Learn More About Hosting Maryland Corps and Service Year Participants
Economic Development / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor
Watch This to Learn More About Hosting Maryland Corps and Service Year Participants

Apply soon to host a Maryland Corps or Service Year participant and help fill your county's vacancies! Maryland’s new Department of Service and Civic Innovation and the Service Year Option program are now up and running. 2023 legislation supported by MACo created both. The law and program specifically target local governments to host fellows in various fields, providing hands-on experience in public service and strengthening the pipeline to county government and filling open positions. Additionally,…

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August 24, 2023
Read more about the article Fire Recruitment & Retention Commission Gives Update at #MACoCon
Emergency Management / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference
Fire Recruitment & Retention Commission Gives Update at #MACoCon

At MACo's Summer Conference, members of the Commission to Advance and Strengthen Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services Within Maryland gave an update on the body's works and a sneak peek at future recommendations. Both nationally and within Maryland, communities face a crisis in firefighter recruitment and retention. While county and municipal leaders can currently guarantee safe fire coverage, this will begin to shift over the next five to 10 years. During the 2023 legislative…

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August 24, 2023
Read more about the article County Leaders Delve Deep into Infrastructure at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Economic Development / Education / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
County Leaders Delve Deep into Infrastructure at #MACoCon

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel discussed some of the most overlooked facets of development, specifically human infrastructure.  Infrastructure is more than pipes, roads, and physical structures. Advocates, residents, and policymakers often overlook the critical programmatic and social side of what keeps our communities running. Childcare, housing, education, and reimagining neighborhoods are all important functions the counties perform and yet are often not considered infrastructure. Senator Benjamin Brooks led the conversation and moderated an…

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August 24, 2023
Read more about the article #MACoCon Features Future of EPR, Conversations on Recycling
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
#MACoCon Features Future of EPR, Conversations on Recycling

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel examined the future of extended producer responsibility in Maryland.  Recycling is a core function of local government, which until recently has largely been profitable or, at the very least, self-funding. Changing market conditions have turned this service into a major expense, upending long-term county plans. Now, policymakers and environmental activists are starting to question who should pay for this service, the taxpayer or the producers of packaging. Delegate…

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August 23, 2023
Read more about the article Speaking for the Trees at #MACoCon
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Speaking for the Trees at #MACoCon

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel delved into the recent update to Maryland’s forest conservation policies and what it means for counties.  Forest conservation is one of the best tools to help fight climate change, yet this policy also sets up barriers to future economic growth. Leaders at the county level will need to contend with these two realities, pushing for great conservation while also allowing for development. This will not be an easy…

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August 23, 2023
Read more about the article Explore Energy Issues at #MACoCon
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
Explore Energy Issues at #MACoCon

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel discussed their visions of tomorrow and answered the most pressing questions about Maryland’s energy needs.  Energy and climate change are inextricably linked. The greatest cause of climate change has been how humanity has powered our society and growth for the last roughly two centuries. Now, policymakers are contending with responding to climate change while also ensuring our society continues to function. Del. Lorig Charkoudian lead a discussion with…

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August 23, 2023
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