News You Can Use Archives

“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

County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use

Howard Announces, “Pocket Pantry” Program to Increase Food Access

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently joined the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) and local non-profit partners at the Rachell L. Gray (RLG) Community Foundation, Inc., to announce the launch of a new Community Refrigerator Program, dubbed ‘Pocket Pantries.’ From the county press release: "Community refrigerators are a profoundly simple and incredibly generous concept, connecting our neighbors to one another to address hunger. Today, I’m thrilled to unveil our version of this dynamic model with…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Carroll to Host Free 2025 Caregiver Conference: “Navigating With Knowledge, Caring With Purpose”

Carroll County Division of Aging & Disabilities’ Family Caregiver Support Program will host the 2025 Caregiver conference, “Navigating with Knowledge, Caring with Purpose” on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Family Caregiver Support Program is designed to assist caregivers who are caring for family members over the age of 60 and older relatives raising grandchildren under the age of 18. The event will be held from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Westminster Senior…

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November 13, 2025

Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Congress Reopens Government, New Shutdown Deadline Looms: What Counties Need To Know

Congress passed a short-term agreement to end the shutdown and restart federal operations, stabilizing paychecks and contract flow for Maryland’s federally driven economy. The package runs only through January 30, keeping the state just weeks away from another potential lapse. Maryland felt the shutdown more than most due to its high concentration of federal employees, a large federal contracting base, and small businesses that lost income they will likely never recover. The bill provides full-year…

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November 13, 2025

Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

New Maryland Office To Strengthen Disability Employment Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) has established the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP), a new office dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce for Marylanders with disabilities. ODEAP was established through the Maryland Model Employer Act (HB 502), the first bill signed into law by Governor Moore following the 2025 legislative session. The landmark legislation, a direct outcome of collaborative work between the state and the National Governors Association, creates the…

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November 13, 2025

Education / News You Can Use

Maryland Hits All-Time High for Sports Betting in October

According to Maryland Lottery and Gaming, Maryland bettors wagered $736.6 million in October 2025, setting a new record and extending the state’s streak of steady growth across both mobile and retail sports betting. Players won back $663.9 million, resulting in a statewide hold of 9.9 percent and $70.8 million in taxable winnings. State contributions totaled $14.1 million, including $10.6 million for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund and $3.46 million for the General Fund. Online…

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November 12, 2025

General Assembly News / News You Can Use

Central Committees Nominate Howard Anderson To Fill District 38A Delegate Vacancy

The Republican Central Committee of Somerset County announced the nomination to fill the District 38A House of Delegates vacancy following the passing of Delegate Charles Otto, with the Tri-County Republican Committee forwarding Howard “Kevin” Anderson for appointment. According to a Republican Central Committee of Somerset County Facebook post: Congratulations to Howard Kevin Anderson for his selection by the tri-county 38A District from an impressive pool of candidates as the nominee to fill the vacant Delegate…

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November 10, 2025

Business Affairs / News You Can Use

Commerce Launches Free Resource To Guide Maryland Nonprofits

Maryland’s nonprofit organizations have a new resource in navigating State processes and funding opportunities. The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Nonprofit Navigator offers support to help organizations navigate red tape and focus on serving their communities. The Nonprofit Navigator is a free State resource within the Maryland Department of Commerce offering direct assistance for nonprofits serving Marylanders. The resource is aiming to help organizations overcome administrative roadblocks and support them in securing funding. The Nonprofit Navigator…

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November 6, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning

MDP Webinar: Maryland’s Sustainable Growth Principle in Practice

The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) is presenting a webinar titled "Implementing Sustainable Growth: Maryland’s Place Principle in Action." Panelists will discuss how they incorporate placemaking into their work and implement a sense of place in their communities. MDP will be joined by local placemaking partners from the Montgomery County Planning Department and Oregon State University. Panelists will discuss Maryland’s new Sustainable Growth Place Principles, establishing place in comprehensive plans, and implementing place through their…

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November 6, 2025

County News / Environment / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning / Risk Management

Protecting Infrastructure Through Local Resilience for National Stormwater Day

November 16 is National Stormwater Day - a time to recognize how local actions can make a lasting difference in protecting Maryland’s waterways and communities. Stormwater is the water that runs off impervious surfaces such as parking lots, roads, and rooftops. As it flows, it can collect pollutants, including bacteria, nutrients, and debris, that eventually make their way into local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Beyond pollution, excess stormwater can lead to flooding, damage…

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November 6, 2025