The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on parks and recreation policy in the 2025 General Assembly session.  County government parks and recreation departments provide a range of public recreation programs for all population segments and maintain a large network of open spaces throughout Maryland. MACo’s advocacy seeks to support the efforts of county parks and recreation by urging state and federal funding support and defending local determination of priorities in parks…

On March 4, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted a letter of information to the Budget and Taxation Committee on SB 980 – Natural Resources – Maryland Heritage Areas Authority – Funding and Grants.  This bill seeks to expand the ability of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to award grants and loans for managing certified heritage areas while also adjusting the funding allocation structure within the Program Open Space (POS) framework. Since its inception in…

On February 12, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 717 – Natural Resources – Public Lands – Acquisition, Staffing, Operations, and Funding with amendments.  This bill allows flexibility for future allocations for Program Open Space (POS) funds if the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Planning certify that the acquisition goals have been met. Department-sought amendments will clarify the intended beneficial effects on…

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted a letter of information to the Environment and Transportation Committee on HB 452 – Outdoor Lighting – Guidance and Use of State Funds.  As drafted, this bill would place certain limitations on the types of outdoor lighting fixtures that can be used at state facilities and directs the Maryland Green Building Council to update or develop guidance for the purchase of outdoor lighting fixtures. Counties recognize…