Summer Conference Archives

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…

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August 19, 2025

#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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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