School Construction and Capital Budgets Archives

Interagency Commission on School Construction: June 12 Meeting Agenda

The Interagency Commission on School Construction — a nine-member panel including 6 appointees of State leadership and the State Superintendent, Secretary of Planning, and Secretary of General Services — reviews projects, contracts, state funding distributions, and expenditure plans for school construction across all 24 local jurisdictions. The Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) meets monthly, typically at 9:00 am, to review project plans, progress, and funding for school renovations and new facility construction. The Commission’s…

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June 11, 2025

Feature / Finance and Procurement / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating as Economic Pressures Mount

Maryland’s long-standing reputation for top-tier financial stability took a hit this week as Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the state’s bond rating from AAA to Aa1. The action marks the first time Maryland has fallen from the highest credit rating tier in over three decades. This shift could significantly affect Maryland's borrowing costs and financial outlook, and signals growing concern over the state’s long-term fiscal stability. With higher interest rates likely for future bond sales, the…

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May 14, 2025

School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Legislative Bond Initiatives Deliver Local Investments Across MD Counties

The 2025 legislative session brought critical State-backed funding to local projects across Maryland through a combination of General Obligation (GO Bonds), Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO), and Legislative Bond Initiatives (LBIs). These initiatives provide targeted support for community-driven projects, empowering counties to address local priorities in infrastructure, education, public safety, and community development. What Are Legislative Bond Initiatives? Legislative Bond Initiatives are State-authorized grants that fund specific local projects. Proposed and championed by Maryland legislators, these initiatives reflect…

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May 12, 2025

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2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025

MACo Testimony / School Construction and Capital Budgets

2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: School and Capital Facilities

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on school and capital facilities policy in the 2025 General Assembly session. County Governments partner with the State of Maryland to fund school construction projects throughout Maryland. K-12 school renovation and construction projects make up a substantial portion of any county’s capital budget, and the needs of Maryland students are consistently a high priority. Maryland’s 447th legislative session convened amidst a substantial concern over the…

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April 9, 2025

Energy / Environment / MACo Testimony / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Transportation and Public Works

Local Control of Building Energy Standards Is Key To Meeting State’s Climate Goals

On February 27, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 807 – Environment – Local Building Energy Performance Standards – Authorization. This bill allows counties to adopt and enforce local building energy performance standards that are at least as stringent as those adopted by the Maryland Department of the Environment. With more tools to promote energy efficiency and responsible energy consumption, counties have…

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March 4, 2025

Energy / MACo Testimony / School Construction and Capital Budgets

Clarity Needed on State Building Energy Performance Standards Requirements

On February 12, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 49 – Environment – Building Energy Performance Standards – Compliance and Reporting with amendments. This bill requires counties to comply with energy use intensity standards that will be set by the Maryland Department of the Environment or pay alternative compliance and administration fees. When the General Assembly created building energy performance standards (BEPS) for greenhouse…

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February 14, 2025

2025 MACo Issue Previews / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

2025 Issue Preview: Capital Projects and School Construction

This issue preview dives into the State capital budget outlook leading into the 2025 legislative session and considers the potential impact on counties. The 2025 General Assembly session will focus heavily on how to manage the State's looming $2.9 billion structural deficit. Passing a balanced budget plan will require difficult decisions including where to reduce spending. While the main focus will be the State's General Fund in the operating budget, these deliberations will also affect…

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December 23, 2024

County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Inflation Cools as Fed Signals Cautious Approach to Rate Cuts

Inflation cooled slightly in November, with the Federal Reserve delivering another rate cut amid lingering price pressures. Borrowing costs remain high as the Fed signals a measured approach to future rate adjustments. The Federal Reserve continues its effort to navigate a cooling economy and persistent inflation, delivering a 25-basis-point rate cut this week. The cut brings the Fed’s target range for its benchmark interest rate to 4.25 to 4.5 percent, returning to December 2022 levels.…

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December 20, 2024

Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

Spending Affordability Committee Confronts Escalating Deficits, Urges Targeted Solutions

The Spending Affordability Committee (SAC) met today and issued recommendations to address Maryland’s worsening budget outlook. The SAC outlined clear steps to restore balance: eliminate the $2.9 billion fiscal 2026 deficit, preserve critical fund reserves, and align spending with revenues to close a projected $6.3 billion shortfall by fiscal 2030. The SAC also called for targeted infrastructure investments, prioritizing critical workforce vacancies, and securing long-term funding for transportation and education programs. Persistent structural deficits, rising…

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December 17, 2024