News You Can Use Archives

Pennsylvania Data Center Order Puts Local Approval First

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order requiring data center developers to secure local approval and make binding commitments regarding energy, infrastructure, and community impacts before the Commonwealth reviews permit applications. The order requires legally binding commitments under Pennsylvania’s GRID standards, which address energy costs, environmental protections, workforce development, transparency, and community engagement. It also removes data centers from the Commonwealth's Fast Track permitting process and prohibits nondisclosure agreements for data center projects.…

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August 20, 2026

County News / Government Liability and Courts / News You Can Use

Baltimore City Sues Prediction Markets Over Alleged Illegal Sports Betting

Baltimore City has sued prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket, alleging the companies illegally offer sports betting while avoiding Maryland’s licensing, taxation, and consumer protection requirements. Last week, Mayor Brandon Scott and the Baltimore City Council filed separate lawsuits against Kalshi, Polymarket, and their affiliated companies in the Baltimore City Circuit Court. The City alleges both companies violated its Consumer Protection Ordinance by offering unlicensed sports wagering and misleading consumers about the legality and regulatory…

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August 18, 2026

Read more about the article Federal Court Blocks FBI Headquarters Move, Reinstates Greenbelt Plan

Proposed FBI headquarters at the Greenbelt Metro site in Prince George’s County (Image courtesy of Prince George’s County)

County News / Economic Development / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Federal Court Blocks FBI Headquarters Move, Reinstates Greenbelt Plan

A federal judge has overturned the federal government's decision to relocate the future FBI headquarters to downtown Washington, DC, reviving Greenbelt as the leading site for the long-planned project. As covered in a Maryland Matters article, in a ruling issued on August 17, US District Judge Theodore Chuang found that the FBI and General Services Administration (GSA) acted unlawfully when they abandoned the previously selected Greenbelt site in favor of the Ronald Reagan Building in…

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August 18, 2026

County News / News You Can Use / Summer Conference

Large County Coalition Confronts Costs, Challenges at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, the Large County Coalition (LCC) convened county leaders and Comptroller Brooke Lierman for a high-level discussion on Maryland’s economy, its fiscal outlook, and the challenges shaping county budgets. Large County Coalition Chair and Prince George’s County Council Member Wanika Fisher led the session with Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno. Comptroller Lierman discussed Maryland’s revenue outlook and the Comptroller’s transition to a new tax administration…

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August 17, 2026

Information Technology / News You Can Use / Summer Conference

Can’t Miss at #MACoCon: Protecting County Infrastructure in the Digital Age

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, attendees will examine one of local government's fastest-growing responsibilities: protecting the technology that keeps essential public services running. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. Counties depend on connected systems to operate public safety, emergency communications, utilities, financial systems, public works, and countless other services residents rely on every day. Protecting County Infrastructure in the Digital Age A cyberattack can do more than disrupt email or computer networks.…

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August 4, 2026

News You Can Use / Summer Conference

Serving Those Who Served Starts with One Question

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, attendees will hear how Maryland is helping connect more veterans and military families with benefits and services through a simple screening process. Many veterans never identify themselves when interacting with government agencies. As a result, they may never learn about programs or support available to them. Serving Those Who Served: Smarter Screening for Stronger Veteran Support County governments interact with residents every day, making them an important partner in…

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August 3, 2026

County Budgets / County News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

Frederick Expands Tax Relief for Older Residents, Uniformed Service Members

Frederick County is expanding property tax relief for older residents and qualifying uniformed service members after the County Council unanimously approved legislation increasing the local property tax credit and broadening eligibility. Bill 26-07 increases the county property tax credit from 20% to 30% while raising both the household income and home value limits for eligible homeowners. According to the County's fiscal analysis, the expanded credit is expected to reduce county property tax revenues by approximately…

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July 23, 2026

Emergency Management / News You Can Use

MDEM Outlines FEMA Grant Delays, New Requirements

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has released new guidance detailing ongoing FEMA funding holds affecting portions of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program awards. The grants help counties and other jurisdictions fund emergency preparedness, planning, training, equipment, and other homeland security capabilities. For fiscal 2025, FEMA continues to hold projects funded through the National Priority Areas (NPA) and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) allocations. MDEM advises recipients not to…

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July 16, 2026

County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

US House Approves Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The US House of Representatives has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, advancing a long-running effort to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes observed across most of the country. The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) passed the US House on a bipartisan 308-117 vote and now heads to the US Senate. Maryland's congressional delegation split evenly on the bill. Representatives Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, Kweisi Mfume, and Johnny Olszewski voted in favor,…

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July 15, 2026

General Assembly News / News You Can Use

DLS Releases Updated Legislative Drafting Manual

The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has released the 2026 Legislative Drafting Manual, an updated guide to Maryland's legislative drafting process. The manual explains how bills are drafted, amended, and enacted. It outlines Maryland's constitutional framework for legislation, drafting conventions, bill structure, effective dates, local legislation, fiscal provisions, and common drafting pitfalls. It also covers the practical side of the legislative process, including bill requests, amendments, reporting requirements, and special provisions commonly used in legislation.…

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July 15, 2026