Read more about the article 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
Business Affairs / County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Employee Benefits and Relations / Energy / Environment / Feature / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation / Pensions & Public Funds / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

Comments Off on 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
April 11, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Intergovernmental Relations
Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony
2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Intergovernmental Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on intergovernmental relations policy in the 2025 General Assembly session.  Counties serve as the boots-on-the-ground public service providers to nearly all Maryland residents. From fire and EMS response to energy safety to basic structures of government, MACo routinely advocates on issues that keep communities thriving. Maryland’s 447th legislative session convened amidst a substantial concern over the State’s fiscal situation, with weakened revenues and cost increases…

Comments Off on 2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Intergovernmental Relations
April 9, 2025
Read more about the article How Counties Can Benefit From NACo’s AI Leadership Academy
Cyber / Education / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Leadership / NACo and Federal Issues
How Counties Can Benefit From NACo’s AI Leadership Academy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing how governments operate, and counties are no exception to this evolution. Through the National Association of Counties (NACo) AI Leadership Academy, counties can stay ahead of the curve! The NACo AI Leadership Academy is a six-week, fully facilitated online program designed to equip county leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to leverage AI for better governance. County Benefits Increased Efficiency – AI can streamline county operations, automate routine…

Comments Off on How Counties Can Benefit From NACo’s AI Leadership Academy
March 5, 2025
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: The Year of the Impossible County Budget
County Budgets / County News / Education / Emergency Management / Finance and Procurement / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
Conduit Street Podcast: The Year of the Impossible County Budget

As Maryland counties build their budgets, uncertainty from both Washington and Annapolis creates major challenges. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Sarah Sample break down the key fiscal debates shaping the future of local government funding.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

Comments Off on Conduit Street Podcast: The Year of the Impossible County Budget
February 27, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Funding Freeze – NACo Webinar Tomorrow (Jan 29)
Agriculture / Courts / Economic Development / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
Federal Funding Freeze – NACo Webinar Tomorrow (Jan 29)

President Trump has announced a "freeze" on a very wide range of federal grant and loan funding. This has potentially major effects on the operation of county-level facilities and services nationwide. Specifics are not yet clear. However, the National Association of Counties (NACo) will take up this topic and other federal-relations matters on tomorrow's "First 100 Days" Zoom Webinar. The President's order, nominally effective at close-of-business today (January 28), has cast a stunning pause on…

Comments Off on Federal Funding Freeze – NACo Webinar Tomorrow (Jan 29)
January 28, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Expand Broadband Infrastructure
Broadband / Economic Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations
Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Expand Broadband Infrastructure

On Tuesday, January 07, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing the Digital Infrastructure Group. The Digital Infrastructure Group will be led by Eric Bathras, Chief Technology Officer for Infrastructure at the Department of Information Technology, and work in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. The goal is to help increase internet coverage, boost state revenue through resource-sharing agreements with private sector Internet service providers, eliminate financial inefficiencies,…

Comments Off on Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Expand Broadband Infrastructure
January 9, 2025
Read more about the article Washington County Appoints New Director of Grant Management
County News / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
Washington County Appoints New Director of Grant Management

Washington County Board of County Commissioners has announced Maria F. Kramer's appointment as the new Director of the Office of Grant Management. Ms. Kramer brings extensive executive leadership experience and a proven track record in strategic planning, grant administration, and operational management. Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer for Washington County, expressed enthusiasm for Ms. Kramer’s appointment: "Maria’s experience in strategic planning, grant administration, and community engagement aligns perfectly with the mission of the Office of…

Comments Off on Washington County Appoints New Director of Grant Management
January 9, 2025
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: Aging Well in Maryland
County News / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations
Conduit Street Podcast: Aging Well in Maryland

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample is joined by Secretary Carmel Roques, Maryland Department of Aging, and Heang Tan, soon to be Baltimore County's Director of Aging. Together, they dive into the critical and evolving work of Maryland's aging services community.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

Comments Off on Conduit Street Podcast: Aging Well in Maryland
January 3, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources
County News / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference
#MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources

In an era of fiscal constraints, Recreation and Parks departments across Maryland are embracing creative solutions to continue enhancing services and park amenities. At the 2024 Winter MACoCon a group of expert panelists dove into this topic. One of the most impactful approaches has been forming strategic collaborations with state, county, and private partners.  These partnerships not only ensure the growth of Maryland's park systems but also foster environmental conservation, public health, and community engagement.…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Maximizing Program Open Space Resources
December 19, 2024
Read more about the article USDOT Launches Emissions Reduction Playbook To Help Counties
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
USDOT Launches Emissions Reduction Playbook To Help Counties

USDOT launched a climate action playbook to help counties reduce emissions.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently released a playbook on research-based climate action strategies for State, Tribal, and local governments. The “Climate Strategies That Work” playbook includes 28 climate solutions to help communities reduce carbon pollution and create a more resilient, sustainable, and accessible transportation system for all Americans. The “Climate Strategies That Work” playbook emphasizes efficient, convenient, clean transportation solutions supporting safe…

Comments Off on USDOT Launches Emissions Reduction Playbook To Help Counties
December 3, 2024
Newer Posts
Older Posts