Read more about the article Counties Get Creative to Avoid Flooding at #MACoCon
Patty Bubar presents at the 2019 MACo Winter Conference
Emergency Management / Environment / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Counties Get Creative to Avoid Flooding at #MACoCon

Flooding has become a real concern for local jurisdictions in Maryland, particularly those with coastlines. What proactive steps can counties take prior to flooding to reduce its impacts, and what role do other levels of government play in prevention? An expert panel at the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session "2 for 1: Flood Prevention (And Cleaner Water, Too!)" gave insight into flood mitigation tactics and how to take advantage of state and federal funds. "For…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article Maryland Officials Work Together to Stop Roadway Fatalities
MACo Events / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Maryland Officials Work Together to Stop Roadway Fatalities

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session, “No More Deaths: Vision Zero and Maryland’s Mission for Roadway Safety,” attendees learned about the issue of traffic congestion in Maryland and what options and solutions can elevate the state and our counties. State, Regional, and County officials all came together at #MACoCon to exploring the important relationship all levels of government have in stopping roadway fatalities in Maryland. Delegate Palakovich Carr moderated the panel and was the main…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article County Officials Consider How to Combat Maryland Congestion
MACo Events / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
County Officials Consider How to Combat Maryland Congestion

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session, “Contemplating Our Congestion Crisis,” attendees learned about the issue of traffic congestion in Maryland and what options and solutions can elevate the state and our counties. The Session was a deep dive into teleworking, complete streets, and mass transit. Travis Johnston, Director of Locally Owned Transit at the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), started off the panel by explaining a few of the Demand Management…

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December 10, 2019
County News / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Increased Trail Traffic Discussion at #MACoCon

As more and more people utilize trails for recreational purposes and even commuting, local jurisdictions are looking to update their laws and regulations to address congestion and new technologies including electric bikes and scooters. At the MACo Winter Conference session "Sharing the Trail: Bicycles, Pedestrians, and Now…E-Scooters?!?" attendees had the opportunity to hear from stakeholders on how counties are dealing with shifting user preferences. Stephen Lafferty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of the County Executive, Baltimore…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article County Officials Explore School Construction Funding at #MACoCon
Crofton Area High School (photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County Public Schools
MACo Events / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Winter Conference
County Officials Explore School Construction Funding at #MACoCon

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session, “Change Order: Is a Shift in School Construction Funding on the Way?,” attendees learned about the Workgroup on the Assessment and Funding of School Facilities, the recommendations that came out of it, and what the 2020 Maryland Legislative Session may hold for the Build to Learn Act. Perry Willis, Executive Director of Support Services for Cecil County Public Schools started off the discussion by going through the background of…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article County Officials Navigate Kirwan Recommendations at #MACoCon
Education / MACo Events / Winter Conference
County Officials Navigate Kirwan Recommendations at #MACoCon

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session, “Breaking Down the Blueprint: School Funding in Focus,” paenlists discussed the generational debate on school funding. Attendees learned more in depth about the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education recommendations and how they could translate into legislation for the 2020 Session as well as the budgetary reality for Maryland’s counties. Vice President of the Frederick County Board of Education, Joy Schaefer, led audience members through a presentation…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article Workplace Safety Panelists Discuss Best Tips
County News / Human Resources / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Workplace Safety Panelists Discuss Best Tips

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference session, “Are You Prepared? Keeping Your Workplace Safe and Secure,” attendees heard from panelists on modern day safety precautions in the workplace. The panel started off with Kevin Karpinski, Principal at Karpinski, Colaresi & Karp, discussing the legalities of workplace violence, best practices to prevent violence, and current OSHA and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act (MOSHA) requirements. Beth Thierer, Director of Customer Solutions for BHS and licensed social worker,…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article Budgeting Best Practices at #MACoCon
County Budgets / Finance and Procurement / MACo Events / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Winter Conference
Budgeting Best Practices at #MACoCon

With all the talk about funding formulas for Kirwan and other initiatives, it is clear that there is an even greater need for counties to have strong budgeting procedures. At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference Adacademy Core session, "County Financial Management" attendees learned about the budgeting process; important financial terms; how to implement a multi-year plan; and questions to keep in mind when managing your county's budget. It was taught by Carroll County Director of…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article Counties Tackle Employment Issues at #MACoCon
Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Counties Tackle Employment Issues at #MACoCon

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference Adacademy Core session "Employment Issues," attendees learned best practices for the hiring process; managing troublesome employees; and, if necessary, handling employee termination. The session was taught by Kevin Karpinski, partner at Karpinski, Colaresi & Karp, PA, and was moderated by Frederick County Council Member Michael Blue. Karpinski discussed a variety of employee-employer relationship topics, and reviewed important legal requirements for public employers. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance…

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December 10, 2019
Read more about the article Diversity Caucus Spotlights 2020 Census at #MACoCon
County News / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Events / Winter Conference
Diversity Caucus Spotlights 2020 Census at #MACoCon

The Maryland County Officials Diversity Caucus (Diversity Caucus) held its annual reception at the Winter MACo Conference. The topic of the evening was the importance of the 2020 census and accurately counting hard to reach populations. Prince George's Council Member Deni Taveras talked to attendees about how inaccurate counts -- under or over -- can have significant impacts on funding and investments of county programs for the next decade. She also discussed the steps being…

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December 9, 2019
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