MACo’s Winter Conference, #CountiesConnect, will be held on December 11-13, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, Maryland. The event will focus on social media, communication, and open government. The lowest registration rates end tonight at 11:59 pm. REGISTER ONLINE or click on any of the links below for more information. Conduit Street Blog coverage of the Winter Conference: Facebook Representative to Speak at MACo Winter Conference MACo December 2013 Winter Conference Session…

The Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) at the 2011 MACo Winter Conference discussed the significant challenges and costs facing counties as they struggle to design and implement a plan to meet their TMDL nutrient reduction goals.  Both urban and rural perspectives were presented as the two Watershed Implementation Plan pilot counties, Caroline and Anne Arundel, discussed their anticipated actions and costs.  For those interested in having a copy of the presenters' powerpoint presentations, they are available here. …

The heavily attended session during the MACo Winter Conference titled "Managing Fiscal Realities and the Tough Times Ahead" provided elected officials with an overview of the challenges counties have faced in balancing their budgets over the past two years.  Speakers also offered thoughts on budgeting strategies to align revenues and expenditures, complicating factors, and approaches to consider when crafting budgets for the years ahead. Presentations: John Hammond, Budget Officer, Anne Arundel County Andrew Mackel, Deputy…

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel is completely sold out of rooms for the nights of January 5 and 6 during the 2011 MACo Annual Winter Conference.  Hotel accommodations can be made only over the phone with the Comfort Inn & Suites in Cambridge, Maryland (410)901.0926.  This is a brand new hotel with rates starting at $79.50 plus tax.  We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Maryland is justifiably proud of its public school system, which has been ranked #1 for two years in a row by Education Week.  Counties play an important role in this effort by providing critical funding for education and public school construction.  The typical county spends more on education than all of its other expenditures combined.  The relationship between the State, county government, and a local school board is complex but vital to understand.  Speakers will…