U.S. Senate Passes Great American Outdoors Act
Environment / NACo and Federal Issues / Parks and Recreation / Tourism
U.S. Senate Passes Great American Outdoors Act

The Great American Outdoors Act has passed the Senate by a vote of 73-25. The legislation would require full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address much of the backlog of deferred maintenance across several federal agencies. Deemed the "biggest federal lands bill in 50 years," the Great American Outdoors Act would for the first time fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) with $900 million annually in fossil fuel…

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June 18, 2020
Hogan Lifts Stay-At-Home Order, Emphasizes Local Flexibility
Business Affairs / Coronavirus / County News / Economic Development / News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation / Tourism
Hogan Lifts Stay-At-Home Order, Emphasizes Local Flexibility

Governor Larry Hogan today held a press conference to announce the commencement of Stage One of the "Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery." “The fight against this deadly disease is far from over. But because of the incredible courage you have shown and the extraordinary sacrifices you have made, Maryland and our nation can now at least begin to slowly recover" said Hogan. He announced that Maryland "has achieved the 14-day trend of plateauing and declining…

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May 13, 2020
Land and Water Conservation Fund Fights for Federal Stimulus Money
Coronavirus / Economic Development / Environment / NACo and Federal Issues / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Tourism
Land and Water Conservation Fund Fights for Federal Stimulus Money

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition (LWCF Coalition), is advocating for a funding appropriation in the next stimulus package for infrastructure investments at national, state, and local parks, along with other public lands. Federal leaders have previously expressed support, but momentum has since stalled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Since its creation in 1964, the LWCF has used federal money to protect national parks, areas around rivers and lakes, national forests, and national wildlife…

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May 7, 2020
Garrett Formulating Plan to Reopen Vacation Home Rentals
Business Affairs / Coronavirus / County Budgets / County News / Tourism
Garrett Formulating Plan to Reopen Vacation Home Rentals

Garrett County leaders this week met with local realtors to discuss plans for the reopening of local rental units once the health crisis subsides. Last month, Garrett County's health officer banned vacation home rentals, saying that a surge in COVID-19 cases would cripple local resources. Now, with a statewide recovery plan in place, Garrett County leaders are working with local realtors to formulate a safe, effective, and gradual plan to ease restrictions on the tourism…

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April 30, 2020
Coronavirus / Labor / Tourism
Worcester County Economy Predicted to Be One of the Hardest Hit in the Country

Worcester County could end up being one of the economically hardest hit regions in America due to the COVID-19 crisis. In an article published by USA Today, financial news service 24/7 Wall Street predicts that Worcester County, Maryland could be the eleventh hardest hit region in the U.S. from an economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The methodology used is based primarily on employment rates of hard hit industries, accounting for 80 percent of…

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April 13, 2020
Federal Judge Okays Ocean City Topless Ban
Government Liability and Courts / Intergovernmental Relations / Tourism
Federal Judge Okays Ocean City Topless Ban

The U.S. District Court issued a ruling Tuesday upholding an Ocean City law enacted in 2017 that prohibits female toplessness in public spaces such as the beaches and the Boardwalk. A central issue addressed in the case was whether the local elected government was best positioned to gauge the resident's sensibilities. In 2016 an Ocean City resident and later plaintiff in the case asked the Town of Ocean City whether women were permitted to go…

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April 8, 2020
Worcester Bans All Non-Essential Short-Term Rentals
Coronavirus / County News / Tourism
Worcester Bans All Non-Essential Short-Term Rentals

In accordance with Governor Larry Hogan’s Stay-At-Home order, the Worcester County Commissioners today declared that all non-essential, short-term rentals in West Ocean City, Ocean Pines, and all other unincorporated areas of Worcester County should be canceled until the order is lifted. The latest steps, outlined in a new emergency declaration, restrict short-term accommodations for hotels and rentals to essential lodgers. This includes but is not limited to hotels, motels, condo-hotels, rental properties, inclusive of private…

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April 1, 2020
Baltimore County Announces Tourism Grant Program
County News / Tourism
Baltimore County Announces Tourism Grant Program

Baltimore County this week announced the inaugural Baltimore County Tourism Celebration Grant program, a new opportunity to enhance the visitor experience in Baltimore County by leveraging $210,000 in county funding for tourism or cultural arts events. “This Tourism Celebration Grant will energize our local economy by supporting events that can draw more visitors, build meaningful partnerships, elevate community stakeholders, and better connect residents with all that Baltimore County has to offer,” Baltimore County Executive JohnnyOlszewski…

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March 10, 2020
Worcester Names New Tourism Director
Melanie Pursel (photo courtesy of Worcester County Government)
County News / News You Can Use / Tourism
Worcester Names New Tourism Director

The Worcester County Commissioners named Melanie Pursel as the new Tourism director. Pursel, respected for her contributions to the business community, marketing, and tourism, as well as workforce and economic development, will step into her new role as the Worcester County Tourism director on April 20, 2020. Pursel will take over for long-time Tourism Director Lisa Challenger, who will retire in June after 31 years of dedicated service to the County. “I am thrilled to…

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March 2, 2020
Baltimore County Announces Economic Development Advisory Board
County News / Economic Development / Tourism
Baltimore County Announces Economic Development Advisory Board

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski last week issued an Executive Order to create the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board, which will provide input and guidance to the administration on economic development, job creation, workforce development, tourism, arts and culture, and other aspects of the County’s economy. “Baltimore County is already an extraordinary place to do business, with one of the best-educated workforces in the country and over 21,000 diverse businesses. But we know we…

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February 24, 2020
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