Understanding Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model and What It Means for the Future

MACo’s 2025 Winter Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield! About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: In its 88th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare companies which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products…

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Revised Bay Watershed Agreement Could Help Protect Local Tourism Industry

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced recent revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to improve wildlife populations, reduce water pollutants, and restore habitat. With a localized approach, officials hope to protect and sustain economic opportunities including local tourism industries.  According to a recent press release, Maryland representatives joined officials from around the Mid-Atlantic region to put forth a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that includes firm timelines, required pollution reductions, and ambitious goals…

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Carroll Earns Top-Notch Credit Ratings, Completes Successful Bond Sale

Carroll County held all three AAA credit ratings again this week and completed its latest bond sale at favorable terms, keeping borrowing costs down as the County moves forward with major capital projects. Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s each reaffirmed their highest ratings for the County, placing Carroll among a small group of jurisdictions nationwide that maintain top marks across all agencies. The County sold $31.5 million in new bonds at an interest…

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Judge Dismisses Challenge to Maryland’s Closed Primary System

An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of unaffiliated voters who argued that Maryland’s closed primary elections violate their voting rights. The ruling relies on long-standing case law that gives political parties the authority to decide who may vote in their primaries. According to Maryland Matters, Judge Pamela Alban issued the decision last week. She wrote that Maryland’s Constitution protects the right to vote in state elections, but…

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The Big Three! Who You’ll See at Winter #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference on December 10-12, 2025, will draw hundreds of people from across all levels of the public and private sectors to Cambridge, MD, to discuss what is next for Maryland. 1. REGISTRANTS More than 600 individuals (growing daily!) from all levels of government and the private sector – view the list of attendees. 2. EXHIBITORS 65+ exhibiting organizations showcasing solutions across critical service areas: public health, emergency services, education, transportation, technology, infrastructure, workforce development and…

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Elections at Work: Local Leadership, Modern Challenges

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, county election officials will focus on the growing strain facing local election systems as Maryland heads into the 2026 cycle. Counties run Maryland’s elections. Local boards of elections recruit, train, and manage election judges. They secure ballot storage. They operate early voting sites and polling places. They carry out the day-to-day work that keeps the process credible and accessible for residents. That work grows harder every year. Local directors…

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Maryland Commission on Public Health Finalizes Report

The Maryland Commission on Public Health released its final report this fall, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernize the state's public health infrastructure and strengthen coordination across state and local agencies.  Created in 2023, the Commission was charged with evaluating Maryland’s foundational public health capabilities and developing strategic, actionable recommendations to improve the delivery of services at the state and local levels. Its work included collaboration with universities, public health experts, community partners, and professionals…

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Environmental Justice Trackers Help Local Governments Follow Federal Policy Changes

Brookings and other institutions are helping local governments and residents track federal policy and regulations that effect environmental justice nationwide as roll backs and court cases continue amongst local efforts to implement equitable strategies. A number of education based and research agencies, including the Brookings Institution, have been tracking the effects of regulations, policies, and other federal actions that affect communities' exposure to environmental pollution. This includes public health protections for workers, pollution standards for…

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MEA Opens Commercial and Canopy Solar Grant Applications

The Maryland Energy Administration has opened the application window for state commercial and canopy grant applications.  The Maryland Energy Administration recently opened applications for $13 million in grants to help businesses and organizations across Maryland expand the use of clean energy systems to cut energy bills and combat climate change. Through the Fiscal Year 2026 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program, the agency aims to help businesses and nonprofit organizations better manage energy costs, reduce energy…

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From Alerts to Action: Preempt Risk to Critical Services 

MACo’s 2025 Winter Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by Check Point!    About Check Point: Check Point is a global leader in cyber security, with a mission to secure the digital world, and provides solutions to defend against cyber attacks.    SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: From Alerts to Action: Preempt Risk to Critical Services  Description: Every minute…

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