Intergovernmental Relations Archives

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…

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April 9, 2025

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…

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March 5, 2025

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!

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February 27, 2025

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…

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January 28, 2025

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,…

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January 9, 2025

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…

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January 9, 2025

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!

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January 3, 2025

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.…

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December 19, 2024

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…

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December 3, 2024

County News / Energy / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning / Winter Conference

Gov. Moore Demands Transparency on Controversial Transmission Line Project

Amidst growing concerns, Governor Wes Moore has called for a meeting with PJM Interconnection and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) leaders to discuss the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the project involves constructing a 500,000-volt transmission line stretching approximately 70 miles through northern Baltimore County and Carroll County to an existing station in southern Frederick County. County leaders have voiced significant opposition to the project, calling for greater transparency, deeper community…

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November 25, 2024