MACo Soliciting Proposals for 2024 Legislative Initiatives

MACo is currently welcoming suggestions for legislative initiatives for the 2024 legislative session. Each year, MACo adopts up to four topics to forward as initiatives — working with supportive legislators to translate those ideas into successful legislation. Past years have seen a wide range of MACo focus — from infrastructure to expanding broadband access to emergency services (view MACo’s 2023 Initiatives for specific examples). County governing bodies, individual elected officials, MACo’s professional affiliate groups, MACo…

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Talbot County Welcomes Sarah Kilmon as their Dynamic New Communications Manager

The Talbot County Council recently introduced Sarah Kilmon as the County’s first Communications Manager. Kilmon leads communications, media and public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy for the County. Under the direction of the County Manager, she provides timely, accurate information about government programs, news, projects, events, and issues. “Sarah is performing an essential role that brings effective and efficient communications for the county”, remarked County Manager Clay Stamp. “Uniting our messaging under one roof,…

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Fun Fact: How Many Counties in Maryland Have National Parks?

Out of the 24 counties in Maryland, 10 are home to several National Parks. Visitors can see historic homes, Civil War battlefields, mountain trails, and more. National parks are a great way for tourists and locals to enjoy the outdoors. They offer a little for everyone including, hiking, biking, camping, historical tours, and more. People are able to explore a new state, or learn more about their own home. Below is a list of the…

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Prince George’s Education Leaders Talk the Future of High Schools on National Panel

Several Maryland leaders in education policy engaged in a conversation on the future of high school education and workforce development on a national panel Prince George's County leaders in education policy, workforce development, and higher education participated in a national virtual panel addressing college and career readiness cohosted by The 74 and the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI). The panel had a target audience of state and local policymakers. Panelists included: Maryland state Sen. Alonzo Washington;…

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Mayor Scott Unveils Adam Manne as Baltimore City’s Chief Procurement Officer

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the hiring of Adam Manne as the City of Baltimore's Chief Procurement Officer. Mr. Manne will assume this position effective Monday, June 12, 2023. "Mr. Manne has over a decade of experience in procurement and the implementation of systems that have cut costs by millions of dollars. Updating our procurement process has been a top priority in my Administration, and I am confident in Mr. Manne's ability and expertise in…

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Carroll Adopts Fiscal 2024 Budget

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the fiscal 2024 budget, which begins July 1, 2023. The budget focuses on education, public safety, and community investments. The $542.8 million operating budget sees an increase of $41.6 million or 8.3 percent from fiscal 2023. The budget proposes no property or local income tax rate increase for fiscal 2024. Although previously considered, the budget holds the County’s Recordation Rate fee at $5.00/$500 with no…

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Here’s How One California County is Transforming Local Government Employment

The Nevada County, California, Human Resources Department is breaking barriers in public service and gaining national recognition for its innovative approach to HR The Nevada County Human Resources Department has been recognized nationally for its "rule-breaking" approach to hiring and retaining county staff. The department has recently received recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor, the California State Association of Counties, the International City/County Management Association, and Human Resources Director Magazine. The County's HR approach focuses…

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Baltimore County Council Unanimously Approves $4.9 Billion Budget

The Baltimore County Council unanimously passed the County's fiscal 2024 budget, with only one minor change to County Executive Johny Olszewski's $4.9 billion budget proposal. The fiscal 2024 budget does not raise property or income tax rates. Still, it provides historic funding for public education, creates near-universal community college for county residents, provides record investment in government employees, and invests in parks, public safety, and other priorities. The Council struck $500,000 in funding for administrative…

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Empowering Communities: Urban Trees Mini-Grant Program Promotes Green Spaces and Environmental Equity

The Urban Trees Program and the Chesapeake Bay Trust are happy to announce that the Urban Trees Mini-Grant Program is accepting applications! Many communities benefit from green spaces and trees to promote outdoor recreation, access to shaded areas, improved air quality, mental and physical health, and livability. Ultimately, this initiative will empower communities that have felt disenfranchised to take ownership with the tools needed to improve access to natural resources that connect their neighborhoods to…

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Fitch Affirms AAA Credit Rating for Prince George’s Ahead of $239M Bond Sale

Fitch Ratings affirmed Prince George's County's AAA credit rating ahead of the County's upcoming competitive bond sale. The rating keeps borrowing costs low for capital projects and reflects the County's sound fiscal policies, prudent long-range planning, and economic stability. Fitch Ratings has assigned a AAA rating to the following Prince George's County general obligation (GO) bonds: $238,815,000 GO consolidated public improvement bonds series 2023A. The GOs are backed by the County's full faith and credit…

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