Read more about the article Scholarship Opportunity Supports the Next Generation of County Leaders
Education / Higher Education / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Scholarship Opportunity Supports the Next Generation of County Leaders

The National Association of Counties (NACo), in partnership with Nationwide, is investing in the futures of county families through its annual Deferred Compensation Program scholarship opportunity. Now in its 26th consecutive year, the NACo Deferred Compensation Program will award four $2,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of county employees participating in the program. The initiative reflects NACo and Nationwide’s ongoing commitment to supporting county employees not only in…

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February 10, 2026
Read more about the article Harford Leverages AAA Rating To Finance Major Projects at 3.3%
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Emergency Management / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Harford Leverages AAA Rating To Finance Major Projects at 3.3%

Harford County held its annual bond sale on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, borrowing funds for essential public infrastructure at a low 3.3% interest rate, thanks to the county’s AAA bond rating. Harford sold $110 million in AAA-rated consolidated public improvement bonds to the winner among 11 bidders. The bonds will be paid back over 20 years. The county also refunded $44.6 million in existing 2015 bonds at a lower rate of 2.3%, saving $1.5M over…

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February 5, 2026
Read more about the article Registration Open: 2026 NACo Legislative Conference
County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Registration Open: 2026 NACo Legislative Conference

The 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference on February 21-24, 2026, will bring together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials from across the country for a focused discussion on federal policy issues that directly affect local governments. Held annually in Washington, D.C., the NACo Legislative Conference provides counties with a critical opportunity to engage with federal decision-makers at a pivotal moment in the congressional calendar. Over the course of the conference, attendees…

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February 5, 2026
Read more about the article Fun Facts About Maryland’s Legislative Session (You Might Not Learn in Civics Class)
Fun Facts / General Assembly News / News You Can Use
Fun Facts About Maryland’s Legislative Session (You Might Not Learn in Civics Class)

Every year, the Maryland General Assembly convenes for 90 fast-paced days of lawmaking that shape everything from school funding and transportation to housing and public safety. But beyond the hearings, deadlines, and budget debates, the legislative session also comes with its own traditions, quirks, and inside baseball moments. Here are a few fun, and sometimes surprising, facts about Maryland’s legislative session that even seasoned Annapolis watchers still smile about. "Sine Die" is NOT "Sign Die"…

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February 5, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick County’s Collaborative Approach Drives Major Overdose Reductions
County News / Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
Frederick County’s Collaborative Approach Drives Major Overdose Reductions

Frederick County has announced a significant reduction in overdose rates, thanks to concentrated efforts by community organizations, health professionals, and local officials.  From the County Press Release: “Since 2020, Frederick County has made significant progress in reducing drug overdoses,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This progress did not happen by accident. It happened because Frederick County embraced a model of collaboration – government agencies, health providers, law enforcement, and community partners working side by side.…

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February 5, 2026
Read more about the article NACo Public Promise Insurance Supports County Workforce Benefits
County Budgets / County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
NACo Public Promise Insurance Supports County Workforce Benefits

NACo Public Promise Insurance provides a platform of voluntary employee benefits solutions, along with a Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) Coalition, built exclusively for public sector employees and their families. These benefits help counties recruit and retain top talent, while managing skyrocketing costs of prescription drug benefits. More than 30% of county employee health plan expenses are related to pharmacy benefits. NACo’s PBM Coalition, partnered with CVS Caremark—One of the largest PBMs in the nation—is the only plan specifically built for counties & county…

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January 29, 2026
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Expands Crownsville Vision With Behavioral Health Internship Program
County News / Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Anne Arundel Expands Crownsville Vision With Behavioral Health Internship Program

Anne Arundel County’s multi-year effort to transform the former Crownsville Hospital into a space that promotes healing, wellness, and generational change is advancing through a new educational partnership. Gaudenzia, a nonprofit that serves those in need of treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, and Bowie State University are collaborating on the Gaudenzia Crownsville Campus Internship Program following a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This initiative is filled on a rolling basis with spring, summer,…

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January 29, 2026
Read more about the article Leadership Insights: Stoicism for Public Service in a Contentious Age
County News / Leadership / News You Can Use
Leadership Insights: Stoicism for Public Service in a Contentious Age

MACo brings you a special feature from the Illinois State Association of Counties Quarterly Newsletter.  We live and work in a political climate defined by polarization, distrust, and an endless stream of information and opinion. For elected officials, this environment can create a daily cycle of urgency, frustration, criticism, and emotional fatigue. Stoicism—an ancient philosophy now enjoying a modern resurgence—offers meaningful, practical tools for leadership amid this turbulence. Its core lessons help leaders remain grounded,…

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January 29, 2026
Read more about the article Charles County Commissioner President Elected Chair of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
County News / News You Can Use
Charles County Commissioner President Elected Chair of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors elected MACo Board Member and Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II as its chair for 2026.  As chair, Collins will lead the regional planning body as it works to strengthen the Metropolitan Washington region’s economy amid federal workforce reductions and shifts in federal funding priorities and programs. “Our region is resilient. We’ve come together on issues that go beyond boundaries, and I’m excited…

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January 29, 2026
Read more about the article Interested in Speaking at Summer #MACoCon? Submit a Proposal by April 15!
News You Can Use / Summer Conference
Interested in Speaking at Summer #MACoCon? Submit a Proposal by April 15!

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference, “Build What's Next,” will be held on August 12-15 in Ocean City, MD. Interested in speaking or have a topic you want to see covered? See MACo’s Call for Proposals! MACo’s Summer Conference brings together approximately 3,000 leaders from all levels of government and the private sector. With four days of educational sessions, along with 2 exhibit shows (over 350 vendors!), and numerous briefings, meetings, and opportunities to connect with counties,…

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January 22, 2026
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