Read more about the article Winter #MACoCon Countdown: 4 Weeks, 4 Essentials
Winter Conference
Winter #MACoCon Countdown: 4 Weeks, 4 Essentials

MACo’s Winter Conference is only four (4) weeks away – December 10-12, 2025. Here are a few essentials you don’t want to miss… 1. REGISTER! If you haven’t registered yet, do it soon! You don’t want to miss this. Our current low rates are available through November 21. 2. Review the Schedule Check out all the details on the sessions being offered…including hot topics like housing, energy, county budgets, and more!  3. Join MACo’s Book Club (FREE books still available)! We're…

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November 12, 2025
Read more about the article EPA Delays Rulemaking for Solar Waste
Energy / Winter Conference
EPA Delays Rulemaking for Solar Waste

EPA has delayed its rulemaking process for producing guidance on how to handle solar panels after decommissioning.  As the nation’s solar capacity continues to expand, federal regulators have yet to finalize a cohesive framework for managing end-of-life solar panels—leaving states, local governments, and the private sector to navigate a growing policy gap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has discussed placing photovoltaic (PV) modules under a more flexible “universal waste” designation, which would simplify transport and…

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November 11, 2025
Read more about the article Housing at the Crossroads: Local Challenges in a Changing Landscape
Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Winter Conference
Housing at the Crossroads: Local Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Housing has become a core issue in Annapolis. 2026 is set to be a year of action, with legislators and stakeholders set to debate an array of solutions.   Housing policy is taking on new urgency in Annapolis, as state leaders, local officials, and advocates grapple with rising costs, limited supply, and growing pressure to accommodate Maryland’s workforce and vulnerable residents. Lawmakers are signaling that housing is no longer a niche issue, but a core component…

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November 11, 2025
Read more about the article The Blueprint Beat Goes On…at #MACoCon
County Budgets / Education / Winter Conference
The Blueprint Beat Goes On…at #MACoCon

Education reform has been underway in Maryland for almost four years with the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The mandated policies and programs have taken shape around the state with each jurisdiction encountering a unique set of challenges and measures of success. A panel of local government and school officials will come together to talk through recent issues and experiences as they continue to move forward with implementation. Title: The Blueprint Beat Goes…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article AI in Government: From Promise to Practice
Information Technology / Winter Conference
AI in Government: From Promise to Practice

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, county leaders will examine what responsible adoption looks like when AI moves from promise to practice. County departments already test AI tools to streamline service delivery. Some now pilot chat-based resident support, automate permit intake, and expand data-driven reviews for fraud detection. Others deploy machine learning to enhance cybersecurity monitoring as threat patterns become increasingly complex. While these efforts create opportunities for faster service, stronger analysis, and more efficient…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery Pre-Release Center Is “A Beacon of Light” for Returning Citizens
Public Safety and Corrections / Winter Conference
Montgomery Pre-Release Center Is “A Beacon of Light” for Returning Citizens

Established in 1972, the Montgomery County Pre-Release Center has been helping returning citizens rebuild their lives for over 50 years.  Detention centers and public safety officials often end up in the spotlight when something tragic has taken place. It is rare to see media highlighting the life-changing restorative work detention center staff are doing everyday in the community. A recent WTOP article focused on exactly that, featuring the work of the Montgomery County Pre-Release Center…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Winter Conference
Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices

As federal action on prescription drug costs remains limited, states across the country are stepping in with new laws to make medications more affordable for residents. According to an article from Stateline, in 2025 alone, at least 31 states have enacted nearly 70 laws targeting various parts of the complex drug pricing system, from Pharmacy Benefit Managers to drug manufacturers. Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are increasingly footing the bill. Counties…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges
County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference
PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges

As concern over PFAS grows nationwide, counties are taking a closer look at where these long-lasting chemicals are hiding, sometimes in the very parks and public spaces meant to promote community health and well-being. PFAS contamination has evolved from a distant environmental issue to an operational challenge for Maryland governments. Once prized for their durability and resistance to water and heat, PFAS now pose growing regulatory, financial, and public trust hurdles for counties tasked with…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement 
Winter Conference
Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement 

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 NACo - PPP!  About NACo - PPP: NACo Public Promise Procurement (PPP) helps counties save money and streamline purchasing through cooperative contracts tailored for local governments.  SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement  Description: County budgets are tight, revenues are shrinking,…

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November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security 
Winter Conference
Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security 

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 Dynatrace!    About Dynatrace: Dynatrace is an AI-Powered Data Platform trusted by organizations across the world to drive business transformation. They're open and extensible, and integrate with all major cloud platforms and solutions.    SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security  Description: Discover…

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November 7, 2025
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