Summer Conference Archives

Economic Development / Summer Conference

Tourism, Business, and Beyond: Counties Drive Growth at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and State partners shared how local insight and innovative strategies are driving Maryland’s economic growth. The Summer Conference session, Shaping Maryland's Future: Leveraging Innovative Strategies for Economic Growth, highlighted the importance of tailoring policies to reflect the diverse strengths and challenges of communities across the state, from rural tourism economies to urban business hubs. Delegate C.T. Wilson, Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, moderated the panel and…

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August 20, 2025

#MACoCon Recap: Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong

At the MACo Summer Conference, state, local, and federal leaders came together for a candid discussion on the realities of cyber threats facing county governments. The Summer Conference session, The Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong, examined firsthand experiences with cyber incidents and practical strategies for prevention, response, and recovery. State Delegate Vaughn Stewart moderated the panel, guiding an engaging conversation on navigating cyberattacks, protecting critical systems, and ensuring continuity of…

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August 20, 2025

Cannabis / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era

Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland, the conversation around workplace policies has only intensified, especially for public sector employers managing safety-sensitive roles. At MACo’s Summer Conference, a panel of human resources, legal, labor, and public safety leaders unpacked the complex and often conflicting forces shaping local government policy in this evolving space. Tom Coe, Fire Chief for Frederick County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services, opened with a reality check on what cannabis…

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August 20, 2025

County Budgets / Finance and Procurement / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Balancing State Policy and County Budgets

When state tax policy shifts, county leaders feel it. At MACo’s 2025 Summer Conference, Robert Sandlass, Treasurer of Harford County, and Chief Deputy Comptroller Andrew Schaufele broke down the complex but critical connection between Maryland’s income tax decisions and local government budgets. Robert Sandlass portrayed how income taxes are the linchpin of county budgets. In Harford County, they represent 45% of the general fund but this source of revenue can be unpredictable. Using decades of…

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August 20, 2025

Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Locals on the Front Lines of Food Safety

At the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, state and local environmental health experts came together for a meaningful conversation on how local food inspections safeguard public health, strengthen consumer trust, and support thriving local economies. As federal support for public health faces cuts, the panel underscored a clear message: local inspection programs are not optional but essential. The session featured insights from leaders across state and county agencies, each highlighting a different dimension of the food…

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August 20, 2025

Summer Conference

Summer #MACoCon Good Government Book Club Asks … “Who is Government?”

MACo’s “good government” Book Club met in August – with a book called Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service. Conference powered this this discussion, with a free advance copy of the book. At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials and other guests engaged around a book affecting public service and best practices as officials, employees, and colleagues. The selection for August 2025 was Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service,…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Human Resources / Summer Conference

Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce: Insights and Initiatives

Maryland is taking strategic steps to address evolving workforce challenges amidst a rapidly changing labor landscape. From early student engagement to supporting older workers, workforce experts and policymakers are focusing on inclusive, forward-thinking solutions. The Honorable Senator Jim Rosapepe moderated an informative session at the New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at the MACo Summer Conference. Panel speakers included: Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor Kirkland Murray, President, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Board…

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August 20, 2025

Cyber / Emergency Management / Information Technology / Summer Conference

Ransomware Reality: County Leaders Face Simulated Cyber Crisis at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials stepped into the middle of a simulated ransomware attack, testing how local governments communicate and coordinate in the face of a crisis. Hackers are increasingly targeting states and local governments with sophisticated cyberattacks. Securing government information systems is critical, as a cyber intrusion can be very disruptive, jeopardizing sensitive information, public safety, and delivering essential services. The Summer Conference session, Ransomware Reality: Communicating Through a Cyberattack – An…

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August 20, 2025

County News / Human Resources / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management / Summer Conference

Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

When tragedy strikes, it’s often the first responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others—who arrive first on the scene. While they work tirelessly to support our communities, who supports them when the emotional and psychological toll becomes too much? Recently, several experts and advocates came together to highlight the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), trauma-informed care, and proactive mental health support for those on the front lines. The Honorable Senator Cheryl Kagan moderated an…

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August 20, 2025

County Budgets / Intergovernmental Relations / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Summer Conference

Comptroller Lierman Outlines Fiscal Challenges and Priorities at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, fiscal issues took center stage as Comptroller Brooke Lierman joined county leaders for a wide-ranging discussion on Maryland’s budget outlook and its impact on local governments. MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson moderated the session, guiding a conversation that covered revenue projections, federal uncertainty, and long-term budget obligations. Comptroller Lierman described her office’s role not only in collecting revenues but also in serving as a fiscal watchdog, projecting future revenues, and…

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August 20, 2025