Page 2 – Conduit Street

Counties Navigate the Human Side of AI

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and technology experts explored how local governments can embrace artificial intelligence while managing the risks that come with its growing role in the workplace. Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering nearly every aspect of county operations. While AI tools offer opportunities to improve customer service and employee efficiency, they also raise new questions around hiring, communications, internal workflows, privacy, cybersecurity, accountability, and public trust. Delegate Ken Kerr moderated…

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August 20, 2026

Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Collaboration Is Vital to the Success of Rural Healthcare Access

Building lasting partnerships between governments and businesses is a key component of the framework that does, and will continue to, close gaps in healthcare service for residents in rural Maryland. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "Building the Future of Rural Health in Maryland," five panelists discussed the unique challenges and solutions for providing healthcare services to residents in rural Maryland including the Eastern Shore and parts of Southern and Western Maryland. The participants…

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August 20, 2026

Leadership / Summer Conference

MACo Book Club Tackles “How to Not Know”

MACo’s “good government” Book Club met again in August – with a book called How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers. The participants connected the book to work and life priorities, as always. At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials and other guests can join a discussion on a book affecting public service and best practices as officials, employees, and colleagues. The selection for August 2026 was How to…

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August 20, 2026

Education / Summer Conference

Strong Agreement Around Education Reform, Significant Debate Over Strategy at #MACoCon

The major consensus around education reform in Maryland is the Blueprint still holds great promise. The Maryland General Assembly needs to decide just exactly how the financial and implementation challenges will be resolved in order to move that shared vision forward. The Saturday morning 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "Blueprint in Action: Building on Success and Finding Common Ground," kicked off bright and early. This panel of state and local leaders discussed the accomplishments, challenges,…

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August 20, 2026

Business Affairs / Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities

As Maryland continues implementing the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), counties are seeking timely updates and answers to questions about the fund’s regulations, eligible uses, and how the resources can support local communities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity,” Senator Antonio Hayes moderated a discussion on updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations,…

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August 20, 2026

Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism

Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets

Transportation networks, tourism assets, and regional partnerships are helping Maryland counties strengthen local economies by connecting visitors to destinations in new ways. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Connecting Visitors to Maryland: Transportation, Tourism, & Regional Growth,” Senator Mike McKay moderated a discussion on how counties can leverage existing assets, including airports, railroads, tourism destinations, and regional collaborations, to increase visitation, encourage longer stays, and support economic development. Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO…

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August 20, 2026

County News / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Summer Conference

Counties Explore Strategies To Safeguard Older Adults From AI

At MACo's Summer Conference, panelists discussed AI-enabled scams, digital literacy, consumer protections, and strategies state and local leaders can use to help older adults safely navigate emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, counties are increasingly confronting both the opportunities and risks these technologies present for residents such as older adults. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Preparing Communities for AI Risks Facing Older Adults,” Delegate Shetty moderated a discussion…

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August 19, 2026

County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

Communication as a Tool for Better Environmental Health

Clear communication is a critical tool for environmental health professionals working at the intersection of public health, regulatory compliance, and customer service. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Better Communication, Stronger Environmental Health,” Delegate Kris Fair moderated a discussion on how environmental health agencies, regulators, and stakeholders can build trust, improve responsiveness, and navigate complex issues while maintaining public health and environmental standards. Les Knapp, Deputy Director of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s…

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August 19, 2026

Energy / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference

Digging in on Data Centers at #MACoCon

Maryland leaders examine the opportunities, infrastructure demands, and local impacts of growing data center development. Data centers are emerging as a major economic development opportunity for Maryland, but their growth also raises important questions around energy demand, infrastructure capacity, land use, water resources, and community impacts. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Senator Ben Brooks moderated a standing room only panel with state, local, industry, and environmental leaders on how Maryland can support this growing…

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August 19, 2026

County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference

Implementing Eric’s ID Law Across Maryland Communities

MACo Summer Conference panelists discussed implementation of Eric’s ID Law, highlighting the role of training, coordination, and local partnerships in supporting effective interactions between first responders and individuals with nonapparent disabilities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Eric’s ID Law: From Policy to Practice,” moderated by Delegate Kym Taylor, speakers examined the implementation of Maryland’s new voluntary designation for individuals with nonapparent developmental or intellectual disabilities on driver’s licenses and identification cards. Linda Carpenter-Grantham…

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August 19, 2026