Read more about the article Highway User Revenues: The Lifeline of Local Roads
Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Highway User Revenues: The Lifeline of Local Roads

With the local share of HURs set to decrease in 2027, the 2026 legislative session will be critical for the future of infrastructure funding.  From enhancing quality of life to driving economic growth, transportation is key to Maryland’s future. With a projected cut to the local share of Highway User Revenue (HUR) funds, state and county leaders face serious questions heading into the upcoming legislative session. This panel will kick off a conversation on the…

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October 28, 2025
Read more about the article The Reentry Bridge: Where Access Meets Opportunity at #MACoCon
Public Safety and Corrections / Winter Conference
The Reentry Bridge: Where Access Meets Opportunity at #MACoCon

A 2025 MACo Winter Conference panel highlights how local detention centers are providing the necessary tools returning citizens need to succeed.  Educational and professional development opportunities are a vital component to local detention centers. These programs work hand in hand with the role of reentry coordinators in local facilities that are striving to set returning citizens up for success. These are the are the kinds of strategies that make the difference for someone getting and…

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October 28, 2025
Read more about the article The Cost of Classrooms: Maryland’s School Construction Funding Gap
County Budgets / News You Can Use / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Winter Conference
The Cost of Classrooms: Maryland’s School Construction Funding Gap

School construction costs are climbing faster than funding can keep pace — leaving counties to bridge the gap while ensuring every student learns in a safe, modern classroom. Maryland’s long-term framework for funding school construction faces new challenges as temporary funding streams, such as Built to Learn, phase out. At the same time, inflation, material shortages, and changing enrollment patterns have driven costs higher, forcing counties to stretch local dollars further than ever before. At…

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October 28, 2025
Read more about the article Incentives That Work: A Modern Toolkit for County Economic Development
Economic Development / Winter Conference
Incentives That Work: A Modern Toolkit for County Economic Development

In a landscape where every state is vying for jobs and investment, Maryland must sharpen its edge with targeted economic development tools. As economic development challenges grow more complex, counties rely on incentives to attract new investment and sustain local businesses. From tax credits and infrastructure grants to strategic partnerships with state and federal programs, understanding which incentives truly move the needle has never been more important. This session, "Incentives That Work: A Modern Toolkit…

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October 28, 2025
Read more about the article Comptroller Announces Tax Relief for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown
NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues / Winter Conference
Comptroller Announces Tax Relief for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown drags on, Comptroller Brooke Lierman announced new tax relief measures to help Maryland’s federal workers weather the financial strain. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman today announced new state tax relief measures for federal workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Comptroller’s Office will defer state tax payment plans for employees who cannot meet their obligations while paychecks remain on hold. “We recognize the financial strain this shutdown is placing…

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October 27, 2025
Read more about the article Prioritizing Your Emotional Well-Being − Building Resilience 
Winter Conference
Prioritizing Your Emotional Well-Being − Building Resilience 

MACo’s 2025 Winter Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Cigna Healthcare!  About Cigna Healthcare: Cigna Healthcare | Health Insurance, Dental Plans & Medicare is a global health services company with a mission to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.  Cigna cares deeply about its customers, patients, and coworkers. They partner, collaborate, and keep their…

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October 27, 2025
Read more about the article Why Maryland’s Market Is Ripe for Renewable Development
Energy / News You Can Use / Summer Conference
Why Maryland’s Market Is Ripe for Renewable Development

The 2025 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference provided an excellent platform to discuss the future of energy in the state. I was honored to be a part of the general session panel “Powering Maryland: What’s Next for the State’s Energy Future?”  moderated by Senator Mary Beth Carozza. I was joined by an exceptional group of experts, including:  Kumar Barve, Commissioner, Public Service Commission Paul Pinsky, Director, Maryland Energy Administration Mark Ritacco, Chief Government…

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October 21, 2025
Read more about the article See What’s In Store for Winter #MACoCon – View the Schedule and Session Details
Feature / Winter Conference
See What’s In Store for Winter #MACoCon – View the Schedule and Session Details

MACo’s Winter Conference, "Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” will be held on Dec 10-12, 2025, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Don't miss this chance to be a part of the conversation as hundreds of leaders from across the state gather to discuss local priorities before heading into the 2026 legislative session. Our lowest rates end on Nov 7. REGISTER TODAY! County governments are on the front lines of delivering essential services during a…

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October 17, 2025
Read more about the article MACo’s Information Technology Conference To Focus on Cyber, AI, Modernization, and Federal Policy Updates
Information Technology / MACo Events
MACo’s Information Technology Conference To Focus on Cyber, AI, Modernization, and Federal Policy Updates

In addition to MACo's Summer and Winter Conferences, the Association holds several annual events focusing on specific topics within county service areas. The County Information Technology Conference is scheduled for November 20 and will feature deep-dive content revolving around county tech challenges and priorities. All county elected officials and professionals are invited to register for the first annual conference hosted by MACo's IT Affiliate, focusing on issues and challenges unique to county government tech needs…

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October 14, 2025
Read more about the article Navigate Annapolis and Advocate Effectively With MACo’s FREE Training
MACo Events
Navigate Annapolis and Advocate Effectively With MACo’s FREE Training

MACo’s 2025 Annapolis Immersion Training will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at MACo’s office in Annapolis from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. MACo’s Annapolis Immersion training program helps county officials and professionals navigate the Maryland General Assembly Session. This training is perfect as a primer for new officials and new legislative staff, or as a refresher for returning officials and staff. The training features segments on the following topics: Overview of the Maryland General…

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October 13, 2025
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