News You Can Use Archives

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Winter-Ready: Procurement Tools to Support County Operations

As winter weather approaches, local governments must be ready to respond quickly to protect public safety, maintain operations, and keep essential services running. NACo’s Public Promise Procurement helps counties prepare by offering immediate access to competitively awarded contracts for critical equipment, supplies, and services—without the delays of a traditional procurement process. Through Public Promise Procurement, counties can leverage nationally vetted contracts designed to support emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, and workforce safety during severe weather events.…

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January 22, 2026

Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use

Maryland Names First Housing Ombudsman

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day has announced that Steven A. Palmer will serve as the State of Maryland’s Housing Ombudsman. Palmer joins the agency’s Division of Policy, Strategy and Research, filling the new position established by Governor Wes Moore’s “Housing Starts Here” Executive Order. From the press release: "Growing up in Maryland provided me with unlimited opportunity, truly setting the stage for my life. It was only possible because my family…

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January 21, 2026

County News / Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

Registration Open for Montgomery County’s 2026 Energy Summit

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that registration is open for the 13th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit. The 2026 summit will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28-29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building located at Veterans Plaza. Early-bird registration rates are available through Tuesday, Jan. 27. The summit’s theme, “Elevating Building Performance,” highlights tools, strategies, and real-world guidance to boost building efficiency and navigate building energy performance standards. “Every day, Montgomery County government and the private sector work together to meet building performance…

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January 15, 2026

Agriculture / Environment / Feature / News You Can Use

Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation Now Accepting Applications

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Program is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Easement Cycle. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 50 contiguous acres, land outside of the 10-year water and sewer plan for the county, and a minimum of 50% Class I, II or III soils. For more information on eligibility and the MALPF easement acquisition process, visit https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Fact-Sheets.aspx The mission of MALPF is: to preserve productive farmland and woodland for the…

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January 15, 2026

Environment / News You Can Use

Prince George’s Announces Major Milestone for Animal Welfare

The Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE) announced a major milestone for animal welfare in the County with the hiring of its first-ever full-time County veterinarian, strengthening medical care and services at the Prince George's County Animal Services Facility & Adoption Center (ASFAC). Starting January 13, Dr. Constantine Tinaza will join the Animal Services Division as a full-time veterinarian. Dr. Tinaza brings extensive experience in shelter medicine, livestock care, and disease mitigation expertise that will…

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January 15, 2026

News You Can Use

Calling All Rockstars: MACo is Hiring a Member Services and Events Coordinator – Apply by Feb 4

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is seeking a detail-oriented and member-focused professional to join our team as the Member Services and Events Coordinator. Candidates should apply via LinkedIn by Feb 4. MACo is the non-profit, non-partisan voice of all 24 Maryland counties promoting effective, efficient government through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Association's member services support and empower our county leaders in serving the residents of Maryland. The Member Services and Events Coordinator serves…

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January 14, 2026

Elections / News You Can Use

Governor Moore Appoints Eric Bryant to State Board of Elections

Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment of Eric Bryant to the Maryland State Board of Elections. According to the governor’s office, Bryant brings experience in election law, campaign activity, and election administration policy, including work related to voter re-enfranchisement and updates to State election regulations addressing digital political advertising. “Eric Bryant’s career has been defined by a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to the democratic process,” said Governor Moore. The Maryland…

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January 13, 2026

County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use

Mid-Shore Regional Council Featured in National “EDDs in Action” Video

Members, partners, and guests of the Mid-Shore Regional Council (MSRC) were treated to a special video debut during the Council’s quarterly meeting on December 10, 2025. The premiere of EDDs in Action: Mid-Shore Regional Council, is a new mini documentary highlighting the region’s economic development work. The video was produced by the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), with funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).…

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January 8, 2026

County Government and Structure / County News / News You Can Use

Worcester County Commissioners Elect New President and Vice President

On December 2, 2025, the Worcester County Commissioners re-elected Commissioner Theodore J. Elder to serve as president and elected Commissioner Madison J. Bunting, Jr. to serve as vice president of the board. Commissioner Elder represents the Western District (District Four), and he is currently serving his third term. He was elected to the Worcester County Board of Commissioners in 2014 and has been serving as president since December 2024. He also served as vice president…

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January 8, 2026

County Budgets / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

Frederick Council Expands Daycare Property Tax Credit

The Frederick County Council unanimously passed legislation to expand its property tax credit for daycare providers, increasing local support for an essential sector facing rising costs and persistent provider shortages. Under Bill 25-13, introduced by Council Member Renee Knapp and Council President Brad Young, the maximum allowable property tax credit for qualified daycare providers will increase from $3,000 to $10,000 per property. The change also extends eligibility to include family childcare homes and group day…

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January 7, 2026