Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Juvenile Justice Experts Discuss Detention and Community-Based Options
Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Juvenile Justice Experts Discuss Detention and Community-Based Options

An expert panel discussed the current state of the juvenile justice system in Maryland including automatic charging, detention, court timelines, service access and more at #MACoCon. During the conference session, "Caring for Kids: Challenges with Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities," leaders in juvenile justice in Maryland unpacked the layers of problems with how Maryland adjudicates young people alleged to have committed certain crimes. Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy started the session off with some…

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August 19, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Academy for Excellence Attendees Hone Skills for Conducting Effective Public Meetings
County Government and Structure / Public Information and Ethics / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Academy for Excellence Attendees Hone Skills for Conducting Effective Public Meetings

Participants in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance refined their knowledge of the proper use of rules and protocol during public meetings, especially virtual hearings, to ensure public trust and engagement. Council and Commission meetings are the backbone of local government in Maryland and are one of the primary ways residents can share their opinions and concerns, oversee government business, and understand the use of taxpayer dollars. These are also run by individuals who…

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August 19, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: County Diversity Leaders Encourage Perseverance During Tough Times
Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: County Diversity Leaders Encourage Perseverance During Tough Times

The professional and social world around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is becoming more challenging to navigate but local leaders encourage perseverance in the face of adversity.  The 2025 MACo Summer Conference session, "The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World," brought together leaders in the equity field to discuss some of the difficulties they are facing as the most recent backlash against DEI initiatives continues. This adversity is coming at a…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: PFAS As an Emerging Environmental and Public Health Crisis
Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
#MACoCon Recap: PFAS As an Emerging Environmental and Public Health Crisis

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about the challenges facing Maryland water utilities as they work to address PFAS contamination and protect public health. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental and health challenges of our time. These persistent chemicals are commonly found in everyday items such as makeup, cookware, clothing, and more. When they accumulate in the environment and in human bodies, PFAS can cause serious…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Highlights — Rethinking Road Revenue: A Rational Approach to Transportation Funding
David Juppe and Morgan Weisman
County Budgets / Summer Conference / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
#MACoCon Highlights — Rethinking Road Revenue: A Rational Approach to Transportation Funding

At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials and experts examined the future of Maryland’s transportation funding system, from the erosion of Highway User Revenues (HUR) to growing transit needs. Once a reliable funding stream for local roads and bridges, HUR has steadily declined due to repeated State-level policy changes. State Delegate Mark Edelson, a leading advocate on transportation issues, moderated the Rethinking Road Revenue: A Rational Approach to Transportation Funding session and an engaging Q&A.…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Expanding Housing Through Local, State, & Private Collaboration
Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Expanding Housing Through Local, State, & Private Collaboration

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard about what’s working—and what’s not—in Maryland’s efforts to expand housing supply.  County governments play a uniquely vital role in shaping the look, smell, and feel of our communities. As the level of government closest to communities, counties have long held the authority to guide land use and zoning decisions that directly impact residents' daily lives. However, in the face of a national affordable housing crisis, state-level proposals increasingly…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap — FEMA Fallout: Facing Federal Funding Flux
Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap — FEMA Fallout: Facing Federal Funding Flux

At the MACo Summer Conference, county emergency managers and national experts discussed how shifts in federal disaster policy are reshaping local preparedness, response, and recovery. The session examined FEMA’s evolving priorities, the move from response to resilience, and the growing role counties must play in meeting community needs. Maryland Delegate Mike Griffith led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the FEMA Fallout: Facing Federal Funding Flux session at the MACo Summer Conference. At…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption
Cyber / Energy / Information Technology / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption

At the MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and experts examined the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government, balancing its promise for efficiency and service delivery with the policy challenges of ethics, transparency, and preemption. Maryland Delegate Linda Foley led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption session at the MACo Summer Conference. Full house at #MACoCon for Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption —…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Breaking Down the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025
Energy / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Breaking Down the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard both the history and implementation of one of 2025's biggest bills, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act.  The 2025 legislative session will go down in history as the "Session of Energy," with the General Assembly debating a historic number of energy bills. One of the most contested topics was how to address solar siting and balance local autonomy with state policy. Dorchester County Council President and MACo 2nd Vice…

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August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future
Energy / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard how upcoming energy changes could impact local planning, infrastructure, and economic development.  Maryland has long aimed to lead in the renewable energy transition, with state policymakers pushing bold goals on clean energy, electrification, and efficiency. Over the past decade, legislative and executive actions have driven progress—but rising regional energy demands and shifting federal policies are creating new challenges. Senator Mary Beth Carozza led the conversation and moderated an…

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August 18, 2025
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