Read more about the article Submit Your Proposal Today for 2023 Winter #MACoCon, “Eye of the Storm”
Summer Conference / Winter Conference
Submit Your Proposal Today for 2023 Winter #MACoCon, “Eye of the Storm”

MACo's Winter Conference, "Eye of the Storm," is scheduled for Dec 6-8, 2023, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Submit topic ideas or apply to be a speaker by Sept 15! MACo's Winter Conference will bring together approximately 1200 leaders from across the public and private sectors to discuss the hot policy topics of the day as Maryland heads into its 2024 General Assembly Session. The theme for the Dec 6-8, 2023, Winter Conference is…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article MAT in Jails Panel Signals Time for Amendments to Enacting Legislation at #MACoCon
Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
MAT in Jails Panel Signals Time for Amendments to Enacting Legislation at #MACoCon

Medication-assisted treatment in county detention centers has a serious implementation problem with the funding mechanism devised to get the job done.  An expert panel of state and local officials, and consultants working specifically in Maryland detention centers shared insights on the status and future of medication-assisted treatment in local detention centers. While all counties are providing services, some remaining barriers are out of local control. This panel shared thoughts on what next steps can help.…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article State Leaders Look to the Future of Agriculture at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
State Leaders Look to the Future of Agriculture at #MACoCon

County leaders at the 2023 MACo Summer Conference heard from local, state, and federal leaders on how we can chart Maryland's agricultural future -- from farms and beyond. From food insecurity and urban blight to climate change-induced crop damage, agriculture presents solutions to major problems facing Marylanders. From Baltimore to Garrett and Worcester to Washington, counties use agriculture as a force multiplier in their communities. The 2023 MACo Summer Conference general session, "The Future of…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article Opioid Forum Illuminates New Challenges and Strategy for Impact at #MACoCon
Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Opioid Forum Illuminates New Challenges and Strategy for Impact at #MACoCon

State and local government officials, as well as researchers and stakeholders came together to discuss how to stem the tide of the opioid crisis. An expert panel took questions from state and local government officials, private businesses, non-profit providers, and other stakeholders looking to understand how policy and practices can protect residents from opioids. Discussion topics ranged from both ends of the spectrum where individuals with a substance use disorder can fall and everywhere in…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article Flashback in Frames: See What You Missed at MACo’s Summer Conference 2023
County News / Summer Conference
Flashback in Frames: See What You Missed at MACo’s Summer Conference 2023

MACo’s 2023 Summer Conference, “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” on Aug 16-19 in Ocean City, MD, was a resounding success! Exceeding all expectations, #MACoCon2023 achieved record-breaking attendance numbers and solidified its reputation as a premier event in Maryland's local government landscape.  With its captivating theme, "Where the Rubber Meets the Road," the conference brought together over 3,000 leaders from various sectors, fostering insightful discussions, valuable networking, and a deep exploration of county government's pivotal…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article The Robots Are Coming: AI Through the County Lens at #MACoCon
County News / Information Technology / Summer Conference
The Robots Are Coming: AI Through the County Lens at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees got expert guidance on the future of rapidly developing technologies, best practices to define and validate government IT strategies, and tips for mitigating risk without inhibiting innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the world and how we live, work, and communicate. For county governments, AI can mean streamlined processes, enhanced service delivery, improved public safety and security, fraud detection and prevention, data analytics, and regulatory compliance. Perhaps most importantly,…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article #MACoCon Tech Expo Explores What New Technology Means for County Workforce
Cyber / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Tech Expo Explores What New Technology Means for County Workforce

The application of artificial intelligence, facial recognition software, and virtual reality training tools is underway in county government and moving to scale.  The Tech Expo at the 2023 MACo Summer Conference covered three types of technology currently being integrated into a number of county level functions. One major takeaway across the board was that local governments must adapt quickly or risk becoming obsolete. At the same time these are new landscapes for government entities and…

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August 25, 2023
Read more about the article #MACoCon Debrief: Adult-Use Cannabis: Taxes, Zoning, and Safety – Oh My!
Will Tilburg
Cannabis / Health and Human Services / Planning and Zoning / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference / Taxes and Revenues
#MACoCon Debrief: Adult-Use Cannabis: Taxes, Zoning, and Safety – Oh My!

At the MACo Summer Conference, an expert panel provided insight into Maryland's adult-use cannabis law, including best practices for navigating the fast-changing political, social, and regulatory landscape. After an overwhelming share of Marylanders approved a referendum to legalize adult-use cannabis, the Maryland General Assembly passed sweeping legislation to address cannabis taxes, licensing, oversight, and more. However, many questions remain about the burgeoning industry. Ambiguous restrictions on local zoning, incommensurate revenue sharing, human resources considerations, public…

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August 24, 2023
Read more about the article #MACoCon Looks to the Future of Public Service, Hiring the NextGen County Workforce
Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Looks to the Future of Public Service, Hiring the NextGen County Workforce

County leaders at the 2023 MACo Summer Conference explored trends in academia and the workforce in the public sector and best practices to attract the next generation of public servants. Governments at all levels are challenged to hire and retain staff, tackling issues like multi-generational differences and hybrid working environments. Local governments face a unique obstacle as society reconsiders what public service is and what it means to be a public servant today. The 2023…

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August 24, 2023
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