Read more about the article Data Centers Take Center Stage for Large County Coalition at #MACoCon
Energy / Information Technology / Winter Conference
Data Centers Take Center Stage for Large County Coalition at #MACoCon

Maryland’s largest counties sit at the center of a national surge in data center development. Demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing continues to rise, and counties now face new questions about land use, energy infrastructure, workforce pipelines, and long-term fiscal impact. While data centers bring significant tax revenue and infrastructure investment, they also create real challenges: power availability, community compatibility, emergency response needs, and the complexity of coordinating with utilities and…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Environmental Justice Screening – Building Equity Into Communities at #MACoCon
Environment / Winter Conference
Environmental Justice Screening – Building Equity Into Communities at #MACoCon

As covered recently on Conduit Street, counties and municipalities looking to promote and further environmental justice (EJ) are experiencing some challenges and some support when it comes to their state and federal partners. Recent federal administration actions have rolled back and even eliminated grant funding for EJ programs, while the US Supreme Court additionally narrowed the scope of federal environmental impact reviews. Under these circumstances, local governments looking to protect land and communities from adverse environmental…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Understanding Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model and What It Means for the Future
Winter Conference
Understanding Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model and What It Means for the Future

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 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield! About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: In its 88th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare companies which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Revised Bay Watershed Agreement Could Help Protect Local Tourism Industry
Environment / Tourism / Winter Conference
Revised Bay Watershed Agreement Could Help Protect Local Tourism Industry

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced recent revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to improve wildlife populations, reduce water pollutants, and restore habitat. With a localized approach, officials hope to protect and sustain economic opportunities including local tourism industries.  According to a recent press release, Maryland representatives joined officials from around the Mid-Atlantic region to put forth a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that includes firm timelines, required pollution reductions, and ambitious goals…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article MACo’s Inaugural Information Technology Conference
County News / Information Technology / MACo Events / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
MACo’s Inaugural Information Technology Conference

County leaders, IT professionals, and technology partners from across Maryland convened on November 20 for the inaugural MACo IT Affiliate Conference. Hosted at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cecil County, the conference delivered a full day of insights on cybersecurity, broadband, artificial intelligence, modernization, and intergovernmental collaboration.Cecil County Executive Adam Streight opened the program by underscoring the critical role of county IT teams in safeguarding residents, supporting local government operations, and adapting to emerging threats…

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November 21, 2025
Read more about the article Carroll Earns Top-Notch Credit Ratings, Completes Successful Bond Sale
County News / Finance and Procurement / Winter Conference
Carroll Earns Top-Notch Credit Ratings, Completes Successful Bond Sale

Carroll County held all three AAA credit ratings again this week and completed its latest bond sale at favorable terms, keeping borrowing costs down as the County moves forward with major capital projects. Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s each reaffirmed their highest ratings for the County, placing Carroll among a small group of jurisdictions nationwide that maintain top marks across all agencies. The County sold $31.5 million in new bonds at an interest…

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November 21, 2025
Read more about the article Judge Dismisses Challenge to Maryland’s Closed Primary System
Elections / Winter Conference
Judge Dismisses Challenge to Maryland’s Closed Primary System

An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of unaffiliated voters who argued that Maryland’s closed primary elections violate their voting rights. The ruling relies on long-standing case law that gives political parties the authority to decide who may vote in their primaries. According to Maryland Matters, Judge Pamela Alban issued the decision last week. She wrote that Maryland’s Constitution protects the right to vote in state elections, but…

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November 20, 2025
Read more about the article The Big Three! Who You’ll See at Winter #MACoCon
Winter Conference
The Big Three! Who You’ll See at Winter #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference on December 10-12, 2025, will draw hundreds of people from across all levels of the public and private sectors to Cambridge, MD, to discuss what is next for Maryland. 1. REGISTRANTS More than 600 individuals (growing daily!) from all levels of government and the private sector – view the list of attendees. 2. EXHIBITORS 65+ exhibiting organizations showcasing solutions across critical service areas: public health, emergency services, education, transportation, technology, infrastructure, workforce development and…

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November 19, 2025
Read more about the article Elections at Work: Local Leadership, Modern Challenges
Elections / Winter Conference
Elections at Work: Local Leadership, Modern Challenges

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, county election officials will focus on the growing strain facing local election systems as Maryland heads into the 2026 cycle. Counties run Maryland’s elections. Local boards of elections recruit, train, and manage election judges. They secure ballot storage. They operate early voting sites and polling places. They carry out the day-to-day work that keeps the process credible and accessible for residents. That work grows harder every year. Local directors…

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November 18, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Commission on Public Health Finalizes Report
Health and Human Services / Winter Conference
Maryland Commission on Public Health Finalizes Report

The Maryland Commission on Public Health released its final report this fall, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernize the state's public health infrastructure and strengthen coordination across state and local agencies.  Created in 2023, the Commission was charged with evaluating Maryland’s foundational public health capabilities and developing strategic, actionable recommendations to improve the delivery of services at the state and local levels. Its work included collaboration with universities, public health experts, community partners, and professionals…

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November 18, 2025
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