Summer Conference Archives

Understanding Ethics in Public Service: Conflicts, Compliance, and Accountability

Attendees learned about ethics in local government as part of the Academy of Excellence in Local Governance. Moderator: The Honorable Todd Ireland, Commissioner, Vice President, Calvert County Speaker: Todd Turner, Esq., Executive Director, Office of Ethics and Accountability, Prince Georges County In any organization, trust is the foundation of effective leadership and citizen confidence. But trust isn't built overnight, it requires ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability from all public officials and employees. Officials fill out the…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

County News / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: What to Know About Maryland’s Changing Coastline

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about how counties can prepare for future risks while supporting safe, sustainable growth in coastal communities. With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Maryland’s counties are on the front lines of a changing Chesapeake Bay. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent disasters are already straining local resources—and will increasingly impact development patterns, infrastructure planning, and land use decisions. This session will explore the critical services our coasts…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

Emergency Management / Information Technology / Summer Conference

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

At the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, counties explored how technology is transforming preparedness, planning, and response. The session, “Ready, Set, Respond: Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness,” highlighted practical innovations counties can deploy to bolster resilience and safeguard communities. State Delegate Jason Buckel moderated the conversation, guiding panelists through how counties can harness cutting-edge tools to anticipate risks, protect infrastructure, and respond when disasters strike. #Counties are harnessing cutting-edge tools to prepare for and respond…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference

Senator Van Hollen Connects with Counties at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, federal issues took center stage as Maryland’s senior US Senator, Chris Van Hollen, joined county leaders for a wide-ranging town hall discussion. This year marked Senator Van Hollen’s first time headlining MACo’s Federal Forum, a tradition long carried by Senator Ben Cardin. Van Hollen’s debut carried on that legacy of direct dialogue between Maryland’s federal delegation and county officials. Frederick County Council Member MC Keegan-Ayer moderated the forum, guiding an…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Homeless Service Connection Spans Multiple Agencies in Local Jurisdictions

Professionals working directly with unhoused individuals statewide say persistent mental health and substance abuse challenges are complicating the housing crisis but progress is being made. A two-part session at the 2025 MACo Summer Conference covered a wide range of topics affecting the housing crisis in Maryland. The session, "Housing for All − Part 2: Supportive Strategies for Stable Communities," touched on affordable housing supply, resources to increase housing security, and how first responders in health,…

Comments Off

August 20, 2025

County News / Parks and Recreation / Summer Conference

More Than Just Green Space: How Parks Are Transforming Maryland

When we think about what makes a community vibrant, healthy, and economically strong, parks and recreation may not always be the first thing that comes to mind. But perhaps they should be. Across Maryland—from the 30,000 acres of parkland in Prince George’s County to over half a million acres statewide—parks are proving to be more than just green spaces. They are economic drivers, public health assets, and powerful tools for community development. The Honorable Delegate Regina…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025

Health and Human Services / Summer Conference

#MACoCon Recap: Medicaid Shifts Will Be Phased In and Bring Major Changes

Expert panel at #MACoCon confirms Medicaid has a number of changes coming that will effect thousands of Maryland residents and forecasts what counties can expect. The 2025 MACo Summer Conference panel, "Medicaid at a Crossroads: Preparing for Shifts in Federal and State Policy," brought together federal, state, and local experts to help prepare for what is to come from the most recent round of Medicaid changes. Blair Bryant from the National Association of Counties (NAC0)…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025

County News / Planning and Zoning / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works

The Evolving Role of Drones in Modern Government Operations

While drones have become well-established tools in public safety operations—particularly for emergency response and law enforcement—their utility in government operations is rapidly expanding into diverse and impactful areas. These include infrastructure inspection, land surveying, environmental monitoring, traffic management, and even public communication during events. The Honorable Senator William Folden moderated an informative session at the There’s a Drone for That: Streamlining Public Services with Aerial Assistance. Panel speakers included: Katherine Munson, Planning Manager, Natural Resources…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025

Education / Summer Conference

Education Reform Challenges Vary Across Jurisdictions According to #MACoCon Panel

Statewide leaders in education discuss successes and challenges as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future moves into year four of implementation. With counties as the funding partners for prekindergarten through 12 education in Maryland, understanding the progress towards shared goals and outcomes of the statewide education reform plan is crucial. Experts from around the state came together to share some of what they are seeing with county leadership as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint) embarks…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025

Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference

Immigration Enforcement Discussion Explores New Legislation, Detention Center Practices, and Federal Actions

With changing federal and state laws and directives, local, state, and federal leaders came together at #MACoCon to share policies, practices, and updates on customs enforcement actions in Maryland communities. Local, state, and federal officials sat on an hour long panel during the 2025 MACo Summer Conference to discuss how immigration enforcement policies, embedded in three different tiers of government, are being implemented. One overwhelming sentiment from the panelists was that changes are continuing to…

Comments Off

August 19, 2025