Environmental Justice Trackers Help Local Governments Follow Federal Policy Changes

Brookings and other institutions are helping local governments and residents track federal policy and regulations that effect environmental justice nationwide as roll backs and court cases continue amongst local efforts to implement equitable strategies. A number of education based and research agencies, including the Brookings Institution, have been tracking the effects of regulations, policies, and other federal actions that affect communities' exposure to environmental pollution. This includes public health protections for workers, pollution standards for…

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MEA Opens Commercial and Canopy Solar Grant Applications

The Maryland Energy Administration has opened the application window for state commercial and canopy grant applications.  The Maryland Energy Administration recently opened applications for $13 million in grants to help businesses and organizations across Maryland expand the use of clean energy systems to cut energy bills and combat climate change. Through the Fiscal Year 2026 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program, the agency aims to help businesses and nonprofit organizations better manage energy costs, reduce energy…

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From Alerts to Action: Preempt Risk to Critical Services 

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 Check Point!    About Check Point: Check Point is a global leader in cyber security, with a mission to secure the digital world, and provides solutions to defend against cyber attacks.    SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: From Alerts to Action: Preempt Risk to Critical Services  Description: Every minute…

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County Solutions to Safeguard Local Communities

Counties are often the first to spot gaps in community safety and stability. As pressures around housing, family wellbeing, and exploitation become increasingly complex, local governments are assuming a larger, more strategic role. Across Maryland and the nation, counties are navigating a surge in overlapping social challenges: rising housing costs that outpace wages, increased pressure on child and family services, and the emergence of new forms of exploitation. At the same time, counties are being…

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Federal Policy and Marginalized Communities: County Strategies for Support and Equity at #MACoCon

Counties sit at the crossroads of federal policy and local impact. When Washington makes decisions on funding, regulations, or enforcement, those choices don’t stay in DC — they ripple directly through county budgets, services, and communities. From Medicaid and healthcare to disaster relief, housing, food security, and energy, states and county governments often carry the load of federal shifts while keeping residents safe and services stable. These changes uniquely effect marginalized communities across every county…

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Scoring the Future: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”

MDOT plans to advance changes to improve its current project scoring process. Hear more about these proposed updates at the upcoming MACo Winter Conference.  One frequent concern in and outside Annapolis is that the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) project scoring process lacks clarity. For years, counties have submitted applications with little insight into why some projects are funded while others are not, fueling frustration and offering few lessons for improving future submissions. Over the…

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Check Out the Growing List of Generous Winter #MACoCon Sponsors

MACo’s Winter Conference – coming up December 10 – 12, 2025, would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Check them out and learn how they can partner with you and your county to provide cost-saving products and services. Learn more about all of our sponsors and see how they are making this Winter Conference the best one yet. Check out our Solutions Showcases as well! Aetna Ameresco American Fidelity AT&T/FirstNet Autumn Lake…

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Supreme Court Case Could Change Maryland’s Mail-In Ballot Rules

The Supreme Court of the United States will hear a case that could impact how states handle mail-in ballots, including those in Maryland. The dispute originated in Mississippi, where state law allows election officials to count ballots cast by Election Day and received within five business days. A federal trial judge upheld that rule. The Fifth Circuit struck it down. Now the Court will decide which interpretation prevails. The core question is simple: Does federal…

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Winter #MACoCon Solutions Showcase Features Industry Leaders and Best Practices

MACo’s Winter Conference Solutions Showcase will feature innovative and effective ways to address county governance challenges. Join us to hear from industry experts and thought leaders on how your county and organization might be able to streamline, save money, and achieve your goals! The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below… WEDNESDAY, December 10, 2025 Prioritizing Your Emotional Well-Being − Building Resilience Hosted by: Cigna Health Building resilience helps you leverage healthy coping skills when experiencing…

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The Data Gap in Women’s Health: Why Benefits Miss the Mark 

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 Progyny!    About Progyny: Progyny provides cohesive care that starts at preconception, continues through fertility and pregnancy, and extends to menopause and midlife.    SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: The Data Gap in Women’s Health: Why Benefits Miss the Mark  Description: Despite growing investment in women’s health benefits, programs…

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