Read more about the article 2026 Reassessment: Cooling Values, Still No Windfall for Counties
County News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
2026 Reassessment: Cooling Values, Still No Windfall for Counties

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) released its 2026 reassessment results for “Group 2” residential and commercial properties, showing continued growth in property values but at a slower pace than recent cycles. This reassessment does not translate into immediate or proportional increases in county revenues. Maryland’s property tax structure deliberately limits how quickly tax bills can rise, even when assessed values increase. For the 2026 reassessment, SDAT reports a 12.7 percent overall statewide…

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December 31, 2025
Read more about the article Senate President Ferguson Announces Leadership, Committee Shifts Ahead of 2026 Session
County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use
Senate President Ferguson Announces Leadership, Committee Shifts Ahead of 2026 Session

During this week's special session, Senate President Bill Ferguson announced several leadership and committee changes in preparation for the 2026 legislative session. Senator Benjamin Brooks (Baltimore County) will serve as chair of the Senate Executive Nominations Committee. Senator Katie Fry Hester (Howard and Montgomery) will chair the Senate Rules Committee. On the Budget and Taxation Committee, Senator Shelly Hettleman (Baltimore County) was named chair of the Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee. Senator Karen Lewis…

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December 17, 2025
Read more about the article Historic Transition as House Elects Peña-Melnyk Speaker
Feature / General Assembly News / News You Can Use
Historic Transition as House Elects Peña-Melnyk Speaker

During a special session this week, the Maryland House of Delegates elected Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the next Speaker, marking another historic moment for the chamber as it prepares for a challenging fiscal and policy year ahead. Speaker Peña-Melnyk becomes the first Afro-Latina and immigrant to lead the House. She steps into the role with unanimous support from her colleagues following Speaker Adrienne Jones’s decision earlier this month to step aside after more than six years…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon
Tommy Royther
Economic Development / MACo Events / News You Can Use / Tourism / Winter Conference
Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, county leaders and partners examined how infrastructure investments can drive tourism growth while supporting residents and long-term economic vitality. The session focused on how counties plan projects that strengthen local economies, protect natural assets, and remain viable as climate conditions and travel patterns change. Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton moderated the discussion and guided a wide-ranging conversation during “If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery Council Appoints Shebra Evans to At-Large Seat
Shebra Evans (photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Council).
County News / News You Can Use
Montgomery Council Appoints Shebra Evans to At-Large Seat

The Montgomery County Council appointed Shebra Evans to fill the at-large seat previously held by Gabe Albornoz, who resigned earlier this month. Evans will serve through December 1, 2026. Evans previously served eight years on the Montgomery County Board of Education. She focused on education, workforce development, and long-range fiscal planning, and served twice as board president. “Shebra Evans will bring outstanding civic and professional experience to the Council as an at-large member, and we…

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December 10, 2025
Read more about the article Two-Day Summit for Local Economic Development Leaders
Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
Two-Day Summit for Local Economic Development Leaders

Maryland’s local governments have an opportunity to expand their economic development toolkit, as the state’s Community Investment Corporation brings together experts for a two-day summit. The workshop will help local governments better position transformative projects for financing through tools like the New Markets Tax Credit. The Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC) is convening a two-day in-person summit to strengthen local economic development capacity and help jurisdictions harness the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program to…

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December 4, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Moore Appoints Howard “Kevin” Anderson to Fill District 38A Vacancy
General Assembly News / News You Can Use
Governor Moore Appoints Howard “Kevin” Anderson to Fill District 38A Vacancy

Governor Wes Moore announced a new appointment to the House of Delegates for District 38A, naming Howard “Kevin” Anderson to succeed the late Delegate Charles Otto. Anderson will represent Somerset County and portions of the Lower Shore for the remainder of the term. “Kevin Anderson is a son of the Eastern Shore, with deep roots in Somerset County and a lifelong commitment to growing Maryland’s agricultural sector,” said Governor Moore. “He understands the needs of…

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November 26, 2025
Read more about the article 2 Weeks Out: Friday Sessions You Can’t Miss at #MACoCon
News You Can Use / Winter Conference
2 Weeks Out: Friday Sessions You Can’t Miss at #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference (December 10-12) will be packed with timely content on housing, technology, and fiscal readiness, all aimed at helping counties navigate uncertainty and prepare for the 2026 legislative session. Here are two sessions that will close out the #MACoCon experience with clear next steps for Maryland’s counties: General Session 2026 General Assembly ForecastSponsored by DMI, Inc. What's in store for the 2026 legislative session? From fiscal outlooks to pending policy changes, this is…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article MACo’s Inaugural Information Technology Conference
County News / Information Technology / MACo Events / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
MACo’s Inaugural Information Technology Conference

County leaders, IT professionals, and technology partners from across Maryland convened on November 20 for the inaugural MACo IT Affiliate Conference. Hosted at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cecil County, the conference delivered a full day of insights on cybersecurity, broadband, artificial intelligence, modernization, and intergovernmental collaboration.Cecil County Executive Adam Streight opened the program by underscoring the critical role of county IT teams in safeguarding residents, supporting local government operations, and adapting to emerging threats…

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November 21, 2025
Read more about the article “Baltimore County Builds” Aims To Modernize Services and Support Local Growth
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use
“Baltimore County Builds” Aims To Modernize Services and Support Local Growth

Baltimore County has announced Baltimore County Builds, a coordinated effort to update the County’s development, permitting, and regulatory systems– a major step that brings several improvements under one umbrella and will introduce a new online platform that will make it easier for residents, businesses, and builders to access County services.  From the county press release: “Baltimore County Builds is about making government work better for the people we serve,” said County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “From getting a…

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November 20, 2025
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