Baltimore County Launches Sustainability Leadership Coalition

Baltimore County has launched a new Sustainability Leadership Coalition, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies to strengthen sustainability efforts and share best practices across the county. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the coalition at its inaugural gathering at Towson University, describing the initiative as an opportunity to connect organizations already investing in environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and community resilience. From the press release: “Sustainability is about more than protecting the…

Comments Off on Baltimore County Launches Sustainability Leadership Coalition
State Awards $600K for Flood Reduction Projects Across Maryland

Maryland has awarded $690,000 in competitive grants to support nine flood reduction and restoration projects aimed at helping local communities better prepare for flooding, erosion, and severe weather. The funding, announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will support planning and design work for projects across seven counties and reflects the state’s continued investment in resilience and flood mitigation. The grants are funded through Maryland’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and the National Oceanic…

Comments Off on State Awards $600K for Flood Reduction Projects Across Maryland
Howard Launches Task Force on Disability Inclusion and Crisis Response

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced a new cross-agency task force to evaluate how local government responds to crises involving people with disabilities and neurodivergences. Established through Executive Order 2026-08, the Task Force on Disability Inclusion, Safety, and Crisis Response will review current policies, procedures, and coordination efforts related to behavioral health emergencies, emergency communications, and frontline response systems. The effort reflects growing nationwide conversations about how local governments train and equip emergency responders…

Comments Off on Howard Launches Task Force on Disability Inclusion and Crisis Response
The Briefing Room Ep 3: Where Our Power Comes From

In Episode 3 of The Briefing Room, Maryland’s energy picture comes into sharper focus. Host Dom Butchko is joined by Public Service Commission Chair Kumar Barve to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the state: where does our power actually come from?   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

Comments Off on The Briefing Room Ep 3: Where Our Power Comes From
Climate Resilience Summit Seeks Strategies To Prevent Small Business Displacement

As local governments continue investing in climate resilience, disaster recovery, and infrastructure improvements, a growing conversation is emerging around how those efforts can unintentionally contribute to displacement, particularly for small businesses in vulnerable communities. The 2026 Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Summit is seeking proposals focused on equitable climate resilience and recovery strategies that help small businesses remain rooted in place as communities adapt to climate pressures. The virtual summit, scheduled for Nov. 12–13, is co-hosted…

Comments Off on Climate Resilience Summit Seeks Strategies To Prevent Small Business Displacement
EPA Announces Funding for Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new funding to support sewer overflow and stormwater management projects across the Mid-Atlantic, including funding available to Maryland communities. The funding comes through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program, which provides resources to help local governments upgrade infrastructure and reduce pollution entering local waterways. Of the approximately $80 million made available nationwide, about $14.8 million is allocated across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland. Maryland…

Comments Off on EPA Announces Funding for Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects
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…

Comments Off on Frederick Moves Forward on Green Infrastructure Plan
Baltimore City Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced a new appointment to city leadership. Beginning March 16, 2026, T.J. Mayotte will assume the position of Chief Information Officer. From the press release: "I’m excited to have T.J. join my administration at such an important time for our city, as we continue to invest in digital equity and explore cutting-edge technology solutions to improve service delivery for our residents,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “T.J. is an innovator and a cybersecurity…

Comments Off on Baltimore City Appoints New Chief Information Officer
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Awarded To 55 Local Responder Agencies

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service is providing Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties across the state. The funded projects help volunteer fire companies enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities. For the 2025 grant cycle, finalized in December, the Maryland Forest Service is providing $167,314 in match funding to complete $370,376 in total project cost. The grants match up to 50 percent of project cost with…

Comments Off on Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Awarded To 55 Local Responder Agencies
Conduit Street Podcast: Professor Todd Eberly on “Interesting Times” in MD Politics

As Maryland heads into a challenging budget year and an election cycle legislative session, Professor Todd Eberly of St. Mary’s College of Maryland joins the Conduit Street Podcast to unpack the forces shaping the state’s political and economic landscape.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!  

Comments Off on Conduit Street Podcast: Professor Todd Eberly on “Interesting Times” in MD Politics