Read more about the article Maine Looks Toward Data Center Ban Citing Rising Energy Costs
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Maine Looks Toward Data Center Ban Citing Rising Energy Costs

Maine set to limit growth of large data centers over 20 megawatts.  The Maine State Legislature is testing one of the country’s most aggressive responses to data center growth. Lawmakers have approved a statewide pause on new data centers with power needs of 20 megawatts or more through November 2027, while the state studies what these facilities could mean for electric demand, customer bills, and host communities. Currently, Governor Janet Mills is undecided on whether…

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April 21, 2026
Read more about the article FERC to Address Data Center Interconnection in June
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
FERC to Address Data Center Interconnection in June

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is set to establish new data center interconnections standards, impacting on Maryland and surrounding states. FERC indicated that it expects to take action in June on a Department of Energy proposal aimed at improving how very large new electric loads, including data centers, connect to the grid. At the center of the discussion is a familiar but increasingly urgent question: how to accommodate major new demand while maintaining clarity…

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April 21, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment
Environment / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Environment

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of environment policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Counties remain on the front lines of environmental policy, tasked with implementing and enforcing ambitious statewide goals while balancing local realities. As such, MACo continues to advocate for practical, flexible solutions that empower counties to meet environmental objectives without imposing unworkable mandates or unfunded burdens. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning and Zoning
MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning
2026 End of Session Wrap-Up: Planning and Zoning

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on planning and zoning policy in the 2026 General Assembly session. Planning and zoning decisions are an integral function of county government, shaping how communities grow, where infrastructure is placed, and how residents and businesses coexist. In its planning & zoning advocacy, MACo seeks to preserve the ability of local governments – those closest to the people and with the most insight into local needs…

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April 15, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick Moves Forward on Green Infrastructure Plan
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Parks and Recreation / Risk Management
Frederick Moves Forward on Green Infrastructure Plan

Frederick County is moving ahead with a long-range planning effort aimed at protecting natural resources, improving resilience, and shaping how growth and conservation work together over time. The County Council is set to begin reviewing the county’s Green Infrastructure Plan, a policy framework focused on preserving and connecting environmental, agricultural, and recreational assets across Frederick County. While the title may sound technical, the larger question behind the plan is straightforward: "How should the county protect…

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April 9, 2026
Read more about the article Utility RELIEF Act Takes Center Stage, Counties Call For State-Local Coordination, Adequate Public Safety Standards
Energy / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning
Utility RELIEF Act Takes Center Stage, Counties Call For State-Local Coordination, Adequate Public Safety Standards

On March 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of HB 1532 – Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act with amendments.  The Utility RELIEF Act continues the momentum of the 2025 and 2026 "Sessions of Energy" by directing wide-ranging changes to Maryland’s energy policy. The bill modifies utility rate structures and cost recovery, adjusts requirements for large energy users and…

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April 2, 2026
Read more about the article Baltimore County Expands Senior Services in Jacksonville
County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation
Baltimore County Expands Senior Services in Jacksonville

Baltimore County is making a significant investment in services for older adults, breaking ground on a new Jacksonville Senior Center designed to better meet the needs of its growing and active senior population. The new facility will replace the current center with a space that is three times larger, giving the county more room to expand programming, improve accessibility, and support a wider range of activities and services. County officials say the project was shaped…

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April 2, 2026
Read more about the article Mandatory Charter Government, Open Incorporation – Both Stalled Again
County Government and Structure / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
Mandatory Charter Government, Open Incorporation – Both Stalled Again

Two bills introduced and heard in the House of Delegates dealing with "structure of local government" matters appear to have been passed over for the 2026 session. One would have required all counties to adopt full executive/council charter government, and the other would have removed county review/approval of proposed municipal incorporations. With the "crossover" deadline now behind us, legislation that has not received approval from its original committee appears more likely to be defeated this…

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March 24, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 Housing Package Takes Shape and Advances
Finance and Procurement / Intergovernmental Relations / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
2026 Housing Package Takes Shape and Advances

In a session marked for widespread interest in advancing policies promoting affordable and attainable housing across Maryland, multiple bills appear to be heading toward enactment. Here's a rundown of the bills that are moving, and one high profile offering among the several that aren't part of the "package" receiving support this session. With a well-documented shortage of housing units across Maryland, stakeholders and interest groups advanced multiple bills to change the game for residential building.…

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March 24, 2026
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