Read more about the article Crisis Comms Chronicles: Panel Navigates Turbulence at the ‘Steadfast in the Storm’ #MACoCon Session
County News / Winter Conference
Crisis Comms Chronicles: Panel Navigates Turbulence at the ‘Steadfast in the Storm’ #MACoCon Session

At the 2023 MACo Winter Conference, a dynamic panel of experts delved into the intricacies of crisis communications for counties. Titled 'Steadfast in the Storm: Effective Crisis Communication for Counties,' the discussion covered crucial aspects such as communication channels, the impact of plain language in distress, and funding challenges for local government public information officers (PIOs). Examining case studies, the panel highlighted the significance of collaboration among local government bodies in crisis communication. The conversation…

Comments Off on Crisis Comms Chronicles: Panel Navigates Turbulence at the ‘Steadfast in the Storm’ #MACoCon Session
December 14, 2023
Read more about the article Blueprint to the Blueprint? Leaders Discuss Implementing Education Reform at #MACoCon
County News / Education / Winter Conference
Blueprint to the Blueprint? Leaders Discuss Implementing Education Reform at #MACoCon

At the 2023 MACo Winter Conference, local and state leaders presented on the state of Blueprint implementation and the ongoing concerns for long-term success.  Maryland’s landmark education reform law known as “The Blueprint” envisioned historical changes and investments in the state’s public schools. Now into implementation, the plan is still evolving and reality is setting in − sometimes leaving counties and school systems seeking a blueprint to the “The Blueprint.”Where is Maryland in reaching goals…

Comments Off on Blueprint to the Blueprint? Leaders Discuss Implementing Education Reform at #MACoCon
December 14, 2023
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: 2024 Elections and Beyond…
Elections / Winter Conference
#MACoCon Recap: 2024 Elections and Beyond…

At the MACo Winter Conference, an expert panel explored innovative policies and new solutions to advance and promote free, fair, safe, and secure elections. An essential function of Maryland’s county governments is to fund and oversee elections. However, some laws and policies fail to recognize modern trends in voter preference, the capabilities of new technologies, and the realities of administering elections in our local communities. With modern trends in voter preference, new technology, difficulties recruiting and retaining…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap: 2024 Elections and Beyond…
December 14, 2023
Read more about the article Academy Core: Fellows Learn About Ethics in Local Government at #MACoCon
Intergovernmental Relations / Leadership / Winter Conference
Academy Core: Fellows Learn About Ethics in Local Government at #MACoCon

MACoCon attendees learned about ethics in local government as part of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.  Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance (County Track) are required to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Elective Courses to earn their certificate through the University of MD’s School of Public Policy – MACo offered 3 Cores at the Winter Conference. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal…

Comments Off on Academy Core: Fellows Learn About Ethics in Local Government at #MACoCon
December 14, 2023
Read more about the article Hit the Ground Plumbin’ … Getting Apprentices to Work in Waste, Water, and Septic at #MACoCon
Secretary Monteiro
Environment / Health and Human Services / Winter Conference
Hit the Ground Plumbin’ … Getting Apprentices to Work in Waste, Water, and Septic at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, experts discussed new ideas and developments to strengthen the pipeline of individuals working in the environmental health field. Environmental health specialists ensure residents have safe food, safe water, and a safe community, but these professionals are becoming increasingly scarce. A nationwide shortage of environmental health specialists has forced government officials to get creative in establishing a pipeline of new candidates. A state, local, and university-based collaboration prepares to do just…

Comments Off on Hit the Ground Plumbin’ … Getting Apprentices to Work in Waste, Water, and Septic at #MACoCon
December 13, 2023
Read more about the article Counties & NGOs Talk Collaboration at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Counties & NGOs Talk Collaboration at #MACoCon

During the MACo Winter Conference panel, Engineering for the Environment, panelists highlighted nonprofit partners and examined the benefits of collaborating on certain projects.   As counties take advantage of the historic federal investment in infrastructure, engaging with local stakeholders and NGOs will become increasingly important. Engagement with local groups can provide two major benefits: first, NGOs can offer technical and capacity support that can help some counties currently lack, and second, NGOs may offer valuable perspectives…

Comments Off on Counties & NGOs Talk Collaboration at #MACoCon
December 13, 2023
Read more about the article Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Face Challenges but Local Governments Should Stay the Course at #MACoCon
Human Resources / Winter Conference
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Face Challenges but Local Governments Should Stay the Course at #MACoCon

A more inclusive workplace will ultimately mitigate risk and lead to a workforce that feels safer, happier, and more productive. As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officers and Directors have taken on new and expanded roles in private and public organizations across the country challenges persist. These professionals have seen record turnover in the profession as they are routinely met with resistance from leadership and employees when it comes to actually implementing new policies. This…

Comments Off on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Face Challenges but Local Governments Should Stay the Course at #MACoCon
December 13, 2023
Read more about the article Academy Core: Fellows Learn the Ins and Outs of the Public Information Act at #MACoCon
Government Liability and Courts / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management / Winter Conference
Academy Core: Fellows Learn the Ins and Outs of the Public Information Act at #MACoCon

At the 2023 MACo Winter Conference Academy Core class on the Public Information Act, fellows learned about the uses of the PIA, a county government's responsibilities relating to the PIA, and how to be a good steward of county information and data. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government…

Comments Off on Academy Core: Fellows Learn the Ins and Outs of the Public Information Act at #MACoCon
December 13, 2023
Read more about the article Expert Panel Breaks Down Regulatory Process at #MACoCon
Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Expert Panel Breaks Down Regulatory Process at #MACoCon

During the MACo Winter Conference panel, Regulations: Why Counties Care & Making Your Voice Heard, panelists discussed the regulatory process and its impact on county governments.    Regulations are one of the key tools of state and county government in driving government action. The regulatory process often puts a finer point on things that the legislative branches intentionally left to the purview of subject matter experts or the executive branch. But regulations are not legislation,…

Comments Off on Expert Panel Breaks Down Regulatory Process at #MACoCon
December 13, 2023
Read more about the article Save the Date for Summer #MACoCon: “Turning the Tide,” Aug 14-17, 2024
Summer Conference
Save the Date for Summer #MACoCon: “Turning the Tide,” Aug 14-17, 2024

MACo’s Winter Conference just wrapped, and the 2024 General Assembly Session is starting soon, but don’t forget to mark your calendars for MACo’s Summer Conference, “Turning the Tide,” on August 14-17, 2024, in Ocean City, Maryland. MACo’s Summer Conference brings together approximately 3,000 leaders from all levels of government and the private sector. With four days of educational sessions, along with 2 exhibit shows (over 350 vendors!), and numerous briefings, meetings, and opportunities to connect…

Comments Off on Save the Date for Summer #MACoCon: “Turning the Tide,” Aug 14-17, 2024
December 12, 2023
Newer Posts
Older Posts