Summer Conference Archives

EPA Challenges Maryland Offshore Wind Project Permit Validity

In a recent letter to state regulators, the EPA challenged the validity of a state permit for Maryland's only offshore wind project. In a recent letter from EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey, agency officials notified Maryland regulators that certain provisions within the permit for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, being developed by U.S. Wind, Inc. (US Wind), were invalid and needed to be amended before the project could proceed. In order for the…

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July 15, 2025

Environment / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

Maryland’s Changing Coastline: What Counties Need to Know

Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent disasters are straining local resources. Learn what counties need to know about Maryland's changing coastline. One of the most lasting impacts of climate change will be how it shapes Maryland’s landscape. Large portions of the eastern shore are projected to be underwater, and in Annapolis, the Naval Academy has openly discussed the idea of relocating. None of this is unique, either. Maryland’s Changing Coastline: What Counties Need…

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July 15, 2025

Summer Conference

LGIT – A Trusted Resource in Good Times and Bad

MACo’s 2025 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by LGIT! About LGIT: A non-profit Trust created, owned and governed by Maryland local governments and endorsed by MACo, LGIT provides various liability and property insurance and health benefits coverages. SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION: Title: LGIT – A Trusted Resource in Good Times and Bad Description: Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) is more…

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July 15, 2025

Emergency Management / Summer Conference

Ready, Set, Respond: Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness at #MACoCon

At this year’s MACo Summer Conference, emergency management experts and tech leaders will dig into how Maryland counties can strengthen their preparedness with the right tools — and the right plans — before disaster strikes. From cyberattacks to hurricanes, local governments face mounting threats that don’t come with a warning. As counties work to protect residents, services, and infrastructure, innovative technology is becoming an essential part of the emergency response toolkit. This session brings together…

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July 14, 2025

State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

Maryland’s Transit Strains Mirror National $140B Backlog

A recent report puts a staggering number on a growing problem: $140.2 billion in needed repairs and upgrades for the nation’s public transit systems. The backlog covers everything from worn-out buses and railcars to aging tracks, tunnels, and safety systems — and it’s accelerating fast. Maryland’s county leaders don’t need a report to recognize the warning signs. Deferred maintenance and unstable funding streams aren’t just national concerns — they hit home for counties trying to…

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July 14, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference

Clearing the Air on Immigration: Compliance Standards for Local Governments at #MACoCon

The rhetoric and uncertainty around standards for immigration enforcement has created confusion and frustration for county governments who have the goal of ensuring the equal protection of residents and compliance with federal law. Federal court cases are currently attempting to address questions around what federal, state, and local government actors are actually allowed to enforce when it comes to immigration and customs laws. State governments, Maryland included, are looking to put additional safeguards in place…

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July 14, 2025

Cyber / Information Technology / Summer Conference

The Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong

Cyberattacks are no longer a question of if, but when. As threats escalate, so does the urgency for jurisdictions to strengthen defenses and prepare for the realities of disruption and recovery. Governments are often on the front lines of cybersecurity threats, managing vast amounts of sensitive data with limited resources. From police departments to tax systems to emergency communications, local government networks power critical public services that communities rely on every day. However, in recent…

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July 14, 2025

Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

MDOT Secretary Wiedefeld to Step Down, Biddle Named Acting Secretary

Maryland is entering a period of transition in transportation policy, both in terms of leadership and long-term funding strategy. Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Paul Wiedefeld will step down from his role on August 1. Samantha Biddle, who has served as Deputy Secretary since 2023, will take on the role of Acting Secretary while the State launches a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Secretary Wiedefeld’s tenure marked a…

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July 11, 2025

Summer Conference

Reimagining Care: How AI and Technology Are Powering the Future of Healthcare

MACo’s 2025 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Kaiser Permanente! About Kaiser Permanente: Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente is recognized as one of America’s leading healthcare providers and not-for-profit health plans. They currently serve more than 11.3 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and…

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July 10, 2025

Summer Conference

Take an On-Site Energy Audit Tour at the Roland Powell Convention Center

MACo’s 2025 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Pepco & Delmarva Power! About Pepco & Delmarva Power: We're committed to powering a cleaner, brighter future for our customers and communities. SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION: Title: Take an On-Site Energy Audit Tour Description: Join Delmarva Power, Pepco, and the Clean Energy Center at Penn College for an instructional energy…

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July 9, 2025