Leadership / Summer Conference
MACo Book Club Tackles “How to Not Know”

MACo’s “good government” Book Club met again in August – with a book called How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers. The participants connected the book to work and life priorities, as always. At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials and other guests can join a discussion on a book affecting public service and best practices as officials, employees, and colleagues. The selection for August 2026 was How to…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Strong Agreement Around Education Reform, Significant Debate Over Strategy at #MACoCon
Education / Summer Conference
Strong Agreement Around Education Reform, Significant Debate Over Strategy at #MACoCon

The major consensus around education reform in Maryland is the Blueprint still holds great promise. The Maryland General Assembly needs to decide just exactly how the financial and implementation challenges will be resolved in order to move that shared vision forward.  The Saturday morning 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, "Blueprint in Action: Building on Success and Finding Common Ground," kicked off bright and early. This panel of state and local leaders discussed the accomplishments, challenges,…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities
Business Affairs / Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Reinvesting Cannabis Revenue in Maryland Communities

As Maryland continues implementing the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), counties are seeking timely updates and answers to questions about the fund’s regulations, eligible uses, and how the resources can support local communities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity,” Senator Antonio Hayes moderated a discussion on updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations,…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets
Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism
Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets

Transportation networks, tourism assets, and regional partnerships are helping Maryland counties strengthen local economies by connecting visitors to destinations in new ways. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Connecting Visitors to Maryland: Transportation, Tourism, & Regional Growth,” Senator Mike McKay moderated a discussion on how counties can leverage existing assets, including airports, railroads, tourism destinations, and regional collaborations, to increase visitation, encourage longer stays, and support economic development. Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Counties Explore Strategies To Safeguard Older Adults From AI
County News / Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Summer Conference
Counties Explore Strategies To Safeguard Older Adults From AI

At MACo's Summer Conference, panelists discussed AI-enabled scams, digital literacy, consumer protections, and strategies state and local leaders can use to help older adults safely navigate emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, counties are increasingly confronting both the opportunities and risks these technologies present for residents such as older adults. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Preparing Communities for AI Risks Facing Older Adults,” Delegate Shetty moderated a discussion…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Communication as a Tool for Better Environmental Health
County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Communication as a Tool for Better Environmental Health

Clear communication is a critical tool for environmental health professionals working at the intersection of public health, regulatory compliance, and customer service. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Better Communication, Stronger Environmental Health,” Delegate Kris Fair moderated a discussion on how environmental health agencies, regulators, and stakeholders can build trust, improve responsiveness, and navigate complex issues while maintaining public health and environmental standards. Les Knapp, Deputy Director of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Digging in on Data Centers at #MACoCon
Energy / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
Digging in on Data Centers at #MACoCon

Maryland leaders examine the opportunities, infrastructure demands, and local impacts of growing data center development. Data centers are emerging as a major economic development opportunity for Maryland, but their growth also raises important questions around energy demand, infrastructure capacity, land use, water resources, and community impacts. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Senator Ben Brooks moderated a standing room only panel with state, local, industry, and environmental leaders on how Maryland can support this growing…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Implementing Eric’s ID Law Across Maryland Communities
County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
Implementing Eric’s ID Law Across Maryland Communities

MACo Summer Conference panelists discussed implementation of Eric’s ID Law, highlighting the role of training, coordination, and local partnerships in supporting effective interactions between first responders and individuals with nonapparent disabilities. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Eric’s ID Law: From Policy to Practice,” moderated by Delegate Kym Taylor, speakers examined the implementation of Maryland’s new voluntary designation for individuals with nonapparent developmental or intellectual disabilities on driver’s licenses and identification cards. Linda Carpenter-Grantham…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Rural Counties Confront the Growing Challenge of PFAS #MACoCon
Environment / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
Rural Counties Confront the Growing Challenge of PFAS #MACoCon

Rural county leaders examine how PFAS contamination affects drinking water, agriculture, wastewater systems, and local communities. PFAS contamination presents distinct challenges for Maryland’s rural counties, where private wells, small water systems, agricultural operations, wastewater infrastructure, and biosolids management can all intersect with emerging state and federal requirements. At MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson moderated a discussion with Zach Schafer, Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, on the…

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August 19, 2026
Read more about the article Building the Bigger Picture at #MACoCon
Education / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
Building the Bigger Picture at #MACoCon

County leaders examine how Maryland can plan, finance, and deliver infrastructure that supports growth, affordability, and resilient communities. Infrastructure touches nearly every county priority, from transportation, schools, and water systems to housing, economic development, and environmental resilience. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Senator Karen Lewis Young moderated a discussion with county and state infrastructure leaders on the challenges of planning, financing, and delivering the projects communities rely on, particularly as counties balance limited resources…

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August 19, 2026
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