Senator Van Hollen Connects With Counties at #MACoCon

US Senator Chris Van Hollen joined counties at the 2026 MACo Summer Conference for a sweeping discussion on federal decisions affecting county budgets, services, and communities across Maryland. From disaster response and health programs to transportation, broadband, cybersecurity, and elections, the conversation focused on what is happening in Washington and what it means for counties. Senator Van Hollen discussed the federal budget and the pressure federal decisions can place on state and local governments. Changes…

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Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Making Parks and Recreation Dollars Go Further
Darius Stanton, Director of the M-NCPPC in Prince George's County
#MACoCon Recap: Making Parks and Recreation Dollars Go Further

Counties rely on parks and recreation funding to build new facilities, expand programs, and maintain the public spaces residents use every day. With limited dollars available, partnerships and long-term planning can help counties make those investments go further. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, The Funding of Fun focused on how counties pay for parks and recreation projects, from building partnerships and finding new resources to covering long-term operating and maintenance costs. Senator Mary Beth…

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#MACoCon Tackles Growing Cyber Threats to County Infrastructure

At the MACo Summer Conference, cybersecurity leaders discussed how counties can protect the connected systems that support water service, emergency communications, public safety, transportation, and other essential operations. Cyber threats increasingly put the systems counties rely on every day at risk, from emergency communications and public safety networks to water systems, financial operations, and public works. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Protecting County Infrastructure in the Digital Age brought together State, county, and private-sector…

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Read more about the article #MACoCon Explores Better Ways to Reach and Support Veterans
Secretary Ed Rothstein
#MACoCon Explores Better Ways to Reach and Support Veterans

Many veterans do not identify themselves as veterans when seeking government services, which can mean missing out on earned benefits and support. Maryland is working to make veteran screening a routine part of those everyday interactions. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Serving Those Who Served: Smarter Screening for Stronger Veteran Support focused on how screening works, lessons from Maryland’s efforts, and ways counties can help connect veterans and military families with available resources. Delegate…

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Elections in Uncertain Times: #MACoCon Prepares for November

Maryland election administrators are preparing for the 2026 election amid evolving legal requirements, security concerns, staffing challenges, misinformation, and ongoing scrutiny of election operations. Counties remain on the front lines, managing the people, polling places, ballots, equipment, and communications that make Election Day work. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Elections in Uncertain Times: What Counties Need to Know brought together State and local election leaders to discuss preparations for November and the issues election…

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Read more about the article Senator Van Hollen Will Bring a Federal Update to #MACoCon
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen
Senator Van Hollen Will Bring a Federal Update to #MACoCon

Federal decisions continue to influence how counties deliver services, fund infrastructure, support public safety, strengthen local economies, and respond to emerging challenges. From appropriations and workforce initiatives to transportation, health care, and environmental policy, actions in Washington often have direct implications for local governments across Maryland. With Congress continuing its work during the 119th Congress, county leaders have an opportunity to hear firsthand about the latest federal priorities and what they could mean for Maryland's…

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Digital Accessibility Work Continues as Counties Prepare for New Federal Requirements

The deadline may have shifted, but the work of making government services digitally accessible continues. A recent Government Technology article highlights how state and local governments across the country are working to meet updated federal digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the U.S. Department of Justice extended the compliance deadlines to 2027 and 2028, experts say the additional time should be viewed as an opportunity to build long-term accessibility practices…

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Just One Week To Go! Get #MACoCon in Your Pocket – Download the Mobile App Today

MACo’s Summer Conference is just ONE WEEK AWAY! Preview the event and plan your time with our NEW mobile app – thanks to Lead Sponsor Skyline Technology Solutions and co-sponsors Ameresco and Avery Hall Insurance. Instructions for your FREE download: (must be a registered attendee, speaker, or exhibitor to access the app) Delete any earlier MACo app you may have installed on your device Access the App Store/Google Play: Search “MACoCon” or click these links: APPLE DOWNLOAD | ANDROID DOWNLOAD (or, access on…

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Coordinated Cyberattacks Target Water Systems Across 12 States

Water and wastewater systems in at least 12 states have reportedly faced a coordinated series of cyberattacks, placing new attention on the technology local governments use to operate essential public infrastructure. Axios, citing ABC News, reports that at least a dozen states are responding to attacks against local water systems. Officials have reported no drinking water safety concerns. The campaign initially drew attention after attacks hit more than 30 water systems in Minnesota. Michigan later…

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Daikin: Perfecting the Air We Share 

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Daikin Applied!  About Daikin Applied:  Daikin Industries, Ltd. is a Forbes 2000 global company with 2024 revenues of nearly $30.8 billion and more than 98,000 employees worldwide, making it the world’s number one air conditioning company. Daikin is engaged primarily in the development, manufacture, sales and aftermarket support of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment, refrigerants and other chemicals, as well…

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