See What’s In Store for Winter #MACoCon – View the Schedule and Session Details

MACo’s Winter Conference, "Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” will be held on Dec 10-12, 2025, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Don't miss this chance to be a part of the conversation as hundreds of leaders from across the state gather to discuss local priorities before heading into the 2026 legislative session. Our lowest rates end on Nov 7. REGISTER TODAY! County governments are on the front lines of delivering essential services during a…

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Register Now for MACo’s Winter Conference!

Attendee Registration for MACo’s Winter Conference is now open. Reserve your spot today and join hundreds of decision-makers discussing Maryland's future. Exhibitor Registration will open soon, first to those who exhibited in 2024, then to everyone else. Interested in exhibiting? Contact our Corporate Relations Manager MACo’s Winter Conference is scheduled for December 10-12, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD. The theme is “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next.” County governments…

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Nominate a County Champion Today!

MACo’s County Champion Award series celebrates innovative county programs and county leaders who demonstrate extraordinary public service. Nominations are due October 17, 2025. Every year, MACo – in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance – seeks to celebrate those county leaders and programs making exceptional contributions to Maryland counties. MACo will announce award winners in November and make award presentations at our Winter Conference Awards…

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Submit Your Topic Today for Winter #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What's Next,” is scheduled for Dec 10-12, 2025, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Submit topic ideas or apply to be a speaker by Sept 18! MACo’s Winter Conference will bring together approximately 1200 leaders from across the public and private sectors to discuss the hot policy topics of the day as Maryland heads into its 2026 General Assembly Session. Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next…

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MACo Celebrates a Milestone: Michael Sanderson’s 30 Years

Michael Sanderson has been on the MACo team for 30 years – more than half that time has been spent as the Association’s Executive Director. The membership and attendees of MACo's 2024 Winter Conference celebrated this milestone at the recent Winter Conference. Michael started with MACo in 1994, analyzing policy and advocating for county needs and interests as a member of MACo’s policy team. Prior to his time with MACo, Michael worked as professional staff…

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Counties Collaborate at Winter #MACoCon to Tackle Challenges and Thrive: A Photo Recap

MACo’s Winter Conference, themed “Anticipate, Adapt, Achieve: Thriving Through Turbulent Times,” was held from December 11 to 13, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Cambridge, MD. The conference precedes Maryland’s General Assembly Session, and its sessions mainly focused on the pressing fiscal and operational challenges facing local governments. With increasing demands, competing priorities, and mandates vying for limited budget space, county leaders explored innovative solutions to provide cost-effective, high-quality public services. Another key focus of…

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Blueprint for Success: Dr. Carey Wright’s Vision for Maryland Education

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation on education with Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, recorded live at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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Superintendent of Schools Shares Leadership Philosophy and Vision at #MACoCon

Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools joined MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a "fireside" chat about education, the Blueprint, and the priorities of the State Department of Education going into the 2025 legislative session. A 45-minute discussion followed by a robust "Question and Answer" session on the future of education in Maryland rounded out the final morning of the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. The State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, has…

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How to Protect Public Trust Through Clear Communication at #MACoCon

At the 2024 Winter MACoCon, an expert panel explored how county employees can build sustainable public trust through consistent communication. Establishing public trust is crucial to ensuring the public heeds government officials during a crisis. The panelists in this session were: Anna L. Sierra, Chief Development Officer | Legislative Officer, Maryland Department of Emergency Management Bryan P. Sears, Government Reporter, Maryland Matters Scott Peterson, Manager, Media Relations and Strategic Partnerships, Office of the County Executive, Montgomery County With participating moderator, The…

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School Officials Highlight Education Reform Progress and Changes at #MACoCon

Local school leaders' feedback on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future focused on flexibility at the local level in order to preserve shared outcomes and maximize student achievement.  The MACo Winter Conference panel, "What We’ve Learned About Learning: The Blueprint in Year Three," brought together education leaders and experts from around the state. These local officials have been on the ground in local school districts as the Blueprint and other major education initiatives have rolled out…

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