Intergovernmental Relations Archives

Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works

MDOT Asks Counties Participate in Disparity Study

MDOT asks county leaders to encourage businesses in their jurisdictions, especially those that do business with local or state government, to complete the Disparity Study Vendor Survey. The State of Maryland is conducting a comprehensive Utilization Study (last completed in 2017), to determine whether there is racial and/or gender discrimination in markets where the State does business. The State is believed to maintain one of the oldest Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) programs in the United…

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August 28, 2024

Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works

USDOT Updates Training Requirements to Improve Transit Safety Oversight

USDOT recently updated regulations to improve the safety of public transit. The federal government recently finalized its training requirements for transit agency and state agency officials who conduct safety oversight of rail transit operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a final rule updating FTA’s Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program. These updates maintain a uniform safety training curriculum and minimum requirements for rail transit and state safety personnel, building upon existing training…

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August 27, 2024

Cyber / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference

Efficiency Mastered! AI Solutions for County Communicators and Beyond at MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, an expert panel offered a comprehensive look at how county communicators and broader staff can effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their daily operations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for county government functions in today's fast-evolving technological landscape. The panel discussion provided diverse perspectives on how different counties and organizations are harnessing AI to enhance their operations while addressing the associated implementation challenges. The session, titled "Mastering Efficiency: AI…

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August 23, 2024

Emergency Management / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

Electrifying Maryland’s Future at #MACoCon

Maryland’s energy future is ambitious. Expert panelists got into the weeds on what will need to happen in order to meet the state’s renewable energy goals. Between the Climate Solutions Now Act, the Brighter Tomorrow Act, and Governor Moore’s executive order to quicken the transition to renewables, Maryland’s policymakers are ramping up the pressure to push the state to 100 percent clean energy. In order to meet this ambition, leaders from industry, government, nonprofits, and…

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August 20, 2024

Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference

Common Constituents: Collaboration with Municipal Partners at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, panelists from both levels on local government discussed best practices for serving mutual residents. MACo is proud to offer a wide variety of educational topics and discussions as part of its Summer Conference. Topics range from parks and recreation to Artificial Intelligence to budgeting and everything in between. As a special session in 2024, MACo hosted an in-depth conversation about how counties and municipalities can better serve our mutual constituents.…

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August 20, 2024

Environment / Intergovernmental Relations

Chesapeake Baygrasses Increase 7 Percent

Baygrasses within the Chesapeake and its tributaries increased 7 percent in 2023, signaling an improving ecosystem. Baygrasses (also called submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV) in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries increased by 7 percent in 2023. For context, the yearly average SAV growth within the bay ranges between three and five percent. This significant increase signals to scientists that the bay ecosystem is improving. According to WYPR, “[SAV] responds very quickly to improvements in…

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August 7, 2024

Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

SDAT Names New Deputy Director

The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) named Bob Yaeger its new deputy director. “We are thrilled to welcome a seasoned government official back to our department,” said Dan Phillips, Director of SDAT. “Bob’s extensive experience will be instrumental in improving our efficiency and services at such an exciting time in our agency.” As Deputy Director, Yaeger will collaborate closely with Director Phillips to oversee overall agency operations, policy, and communications. He will also…

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August 7, 2024

Cyber / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference

Mastering Efficiency: AI Solutions for County Communicators and Beyond!

In an era where technology continuously evolves, the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to make significant strides in county government operations. The upcoming session will dive deep into the world of AI, showcasing a diverse array of tools designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other county employees. At the same time, panelists will share their progress with implementing those tools and creating safe guidelines for…

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August 7, 2024

Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works

Feds Open $41M to Expand County Battery Recycling

The US Dept. of Energy recently opened $41 million in funding to boost county battery recycling operations. Late last week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened $41 million in grants to enable state and local governments to expand battery recycling. Administered by DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), this funding opportunity advances next-generation tools and resources to achieve the federal government's ambitious goal of a net-zero economy by 2050. Batteries power…

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August 6, 2024

Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

A Rising Tide: How Maryland is Bracing for Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise will significantly change Maryland's geography. Hear from panelists about what options are available to help prepare for this reality. One of the most lasting impacts of climate change will be how it shapes Maryland's landscape. Large portions of Dorchester and Somerset are projected to be underwater, and in Annapolis, the Naval Academy has openly discussed the idea of relocating. None of this is unique, either. MACo's A Rising Tide: How Maryland is…

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August 5, 2024