Read more about the article Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Winter Conference
Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices

As federal action on prescription drug costs remains limited, states across the country are stepping in with new laws to make medications more affordable for residents. According to an article from Stateline, in 2025 alone, at least 31 states have enacted nearly 70 laws targeting various parts of the complex drug pricing system, from Pharmacy Benefit Managers to drug manufacturers. Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are increasingly footing the bill. Counties…

Comments Off on Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices
November 10, 2025
Read more about the article PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges
County News / Environment / Health and Human Services / Parks and Recreation / Winter Conference
PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges

As concern over PFAS grows nationwide, counties are taking a closer look at where these long-lasting chemicals are hiding, sometimes in the very parks and public spaces meant to promote community health and well-being. PFAS contamination has evolved from a distant environmental issue to an operational challenge for Maryland governments. Once prized for their durability and resistance to water and heat, PFAS now pose growing regulatory, financial, and public trust hurdles for counties tasked with…

Comments Off on PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges
November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement 
Winter Conference
Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement 

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 NACo - PPP!  About NACo - PPP: NACo Public Promise Procurement (PPP) helps counties save money and streamline purchasing through cooperative contracts tailored for local governments.  SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement  Description: County budgets are tight, revenues are shrinking,…

Comments Off on Stretching County Dollars: Smarter Purchasing Through NACo’s Public Promise Procurement 
November 10, 2025
Read more about the article Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security 
Winter Conference
Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security 

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 Dynatrace!    About Dynatrace: Dynatrace is an AI-Powered Data Platform trusted by organizations across the world to drive business transformation. They're open and extensible, and integrate with all major cloud platforms and solutions.    SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:  Title: Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security  Description: Discover…

Comments Off on Empowering Maryland Counties with AI-Driven Observability and Security 
November 7, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Sues To Block New FEMA Grant Restrictions
Courts / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Winter Conference
Maryland Sues To Block New FEMA Grant Restrictions

Maryland moved to protect emergency management funding and continuity this week as Attorney General Anthony Brown filed a lawsuit challenging new federal restrictions on FEMA preparedness grants that counties rely on to plan, respond to, and recover from disasters. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed suit this week, joining a coalition of states pushing back on new conditions tied to FEMA’s core preparedness and homeland security grants. State attorneys general argue the federal government cannot…

Comments Off on Maryland Sues To Block New FEMA Grant Restrictions
November 5, 2025
Read more about the article 5 Highlights You Can’t Miss on Wednesday of Winter #MACoCon
Winter Conference
5 Highlights You Can’t Miss on Wednesday of Winter #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference is only five weeks away, December 10-12, 2025, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Join more than 1000 local government officials and decision-makers, legislators, state and federal officials, and commercial representatives for this can’t-miss policy-planning event. Back by popular demand, we have added more content to Wednesday of MACo’s Winter Conference – you do not want to miss this! REGISTER TODAY! (The lowest registration rates end on November 7!) 1. OPENING SESSION Start…

Comments Off on 5 Highlights You Can’t Miss on Wednesday of Winter #MACoCon
November 5, 2025
Read more about the article Sharpen Your Skills at Winter #MACoCon: Academy Courses on Finance, Transparency, and Employment Practices
County News / Winter Conference
Sharpen Your Skills at Winter #MACoCon: Academy Courses on Finance, Transparency, and Employment Practices

MACo’s Winter Conference offers something for everyone – including a foundational course in good governance, along with deeper dives into complex issues. Fellows of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance (County Track) are required to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Elective Courses to earn their certificate through the University of MD’s School of Public Policy – MACo will offer 3 Cores at Winter Conference. These courses are open to all conference registrants, but Fellows will receive…

Comments Off on Sharpen Your Skills at Winter #MACoCon: Academy Courses on Finance, Transparency, and Employment Practices
November 5, 2025
Read more about the article Report Shows Maryland Trailing Region in Economic Outlook
Business Affairs / Economic Development / Labor / Winter Conference
Report Shows Maryland Trailing Region in Economic Outlook

Maryland’s declining economic rankings indicate deeper challenges that could impact jobs, local revenues, and long-term growth throughout the state. According to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland's latest national economic rankings indicate that the state is continuing to fall behind its neighbors, raising concerns about long-term growth and fiscal stability. These rankings, released by the American Legislative Exchange Council, highlight long-standing challenges tied to high business costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of pro-growth policies. From…

Comments Off on Report Shows Maryland Trailing Region in Economic Outlook
November 4, 2025
Read more about the article Preparedness in Peril: Rethinking Readiness as Federal Stability Falters
Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Winter Conference
Preparedness in Peril: Rethinking Readiness as Federal Stability Falters

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, counties will confront a harsh reality: federal disaster support no longer feels predictable, and preparedness planning now requires new strategies beyond Washington’s stability. Federal preparedness and disaster recovery support sit on unstable ground. Shutdown threats, frozen funds, legal battles, and shifting federal priorities have created fundamental planning uncertainty for counties responsible for public safety and emergency response. As national debate continues over disaster funding and FEMA’s future direction, counties…

Comments Off on Preparedness in Peril: Rethinking Readiness as Federal Stability Falters
November 4, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Moore Moves Forward with Redistricting Advisory Commission
Elections / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Winter Conference
Governor Moore Moves Forward with Redistricting Advisory Commission

Maryland will formally study mid-cycle redistricting, with Governor Wes Moore announcing a new advisory commission to review the current congressional map, gather public input, and recommend next steps as other states redraw their lines ahead of the 2026 elections. Governor Wes Moore announced a new Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission to review Maryland’s congressional map and recommend potential changes. The panel will conduct public hearings, gather input from residents across the state, and deliver recommendations to…

Comments Off on Governor Moore Moves Forward with Redistricting Advisory Commission
November 4, 2025
Newer Posts
Older Posts