Podcasts about Maco

For the final episode of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, the conversation heads west to Garrett County, where local leaders are putting many of the tools explored throughout the series into practice.Dom Butchko and Baltimore County Housing and Community Development Director Terry Hickey are joined by Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards and Liz Georg of the Garrett County Housing Commission to explore Hemlock Grove, an innovative housing development designed to address a challenge familiar to communities across Maryland: local wages struggling to keep pace with the cost of housing.The conversation examines the unique pressures shaping Garrett County's housing market, including the influence of Deep Creek Lake, limited infrastructure, and the challenge of retaining young professionals and families. Paul and Liz walk through how local government, nonprofits, community partners, and a newly created land trust came together to reduce development costs and create homes priced significantly below the surrounding market. Along the way, they unpack how the land trust model can preserve affordability across generations, lessons learned from more than a decade of planning, and opportunities to strengthen Maryland's land trust framework for other jurisdictions looking to replicate the approach. It's a fitting conclusion to the housing finance series: a look at what happens when the financing, policy, partnerships, and local decision-making explored over seven episodes come together on the ground.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Summer Conference is in the rearview mirror, but many of the conversations shaping Maryland policy are just getting started.In the latest round of News or Noise, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Sarah Sample for a look at the headlines, policy debates, and emerging issues that could follow county leaders from #MACoCon into the 2027 legislative session.The conversation starts with a look back at MACo's Summer Conference before turning to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and whether an upcoming evaluation could lead lawmakers to reconsider pieces of the sweeping education reform plan amid mounting fiscal pressure. The group also digs into Maryland's growing school construction needs, the funding gap facing counties, and the increasingly difficult prospect of local governments forward-funding major projects while waiting for the State to catch up.Then, the conversation turns to technology and privacy, where Sarah breaks down Maryland's existing approach to automatic license plate readers as AI-powered surveillance tools draw growing scrutiny. Are Maryland's existing safeguards enough, or will rapidly evolving technology force policymakers to revisit the rules? Finally, in true News or Noise fashion, the episode closes outside the policy arena with college football, NIL, revenue sharing, and a bigger question: are college sports still amateur sports at all?From education funding and government surveillance to the changing economics of college athletics, the team sorts through what's news, what's noise, and what Maryland's counties should keep watching. Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Back at the beach for the Maryland Counties Conference, we welcome Tom Perlozzo – yes, he's Sam's brother - back from Ocean City to talk tourism, families, the lure and lore of the beach and how Maryland is trying to compete with Virginia Beach year-around for youth sports events and all of the great economic benefits of that happening with the new proposal. Oh, and we didn't want to discuss the Orioles but we did anyway... The post Tom Perlozzo returns from Ocean City at MACO to give Nestor facts about youth sports complex project in Berlin first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Building new housing is only part of the affordability challenge. Counties also need tools to preserve the affordable homes already in their communities.In Episode 7 of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Jonathan R. Butler, Director of the Prince George's County Department of Housing & Community Development, to explore preservation as a housing strategy.The conversation looks at where affordable properties are most at risk, how Right of First Refusal (ROFR) can help counties preserve existing units, and how Prince George's County puts that tool into practice. The episode also explores the partnerships and financing needed to make preservation deals work and what other counties can learn from the Prince George's approach.As Maryland works to expand its housing supply, preservation remains an important part of keeping existing homes affordable and preventing communities from losing ground.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Former Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller returns from Ocean City at MACo as the Special Secretary of Overdose Response to candidly discuss her work in saving lives and getting addicted folks on the streets into safe programs with assistance without judgment. What is your role on the war on drugs and how can NARCAN save lives? The post Former Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller talks opiods, saving lives and your role in the wars on drugs in Maryland first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Every year at the MACo event in Ocean City, we add up the numbers of the Maryland Lottery. Seth Elkin brings the real math of state contributions to Nestor as we learn where the money goes and what it does to help citizens after all of the winners and second chances. The post Seth Elkin of The Maryland Lottery brings the real numbers of state contributions to Nestor at MACO first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Do you know someone with a place in Ocean City or the Delaware shore? Our financial insider Leonard Raskin joins Nestor, who discovered his cousin's OC beach house and wound up talking sun, sand and retirement while at MACo doing the Maryland Crab Cake Tour on the Coastal Highway. The post Leonard Raskin and Nestor discuss that beach home dream and making it real first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

We always use our time with Senator Chris Van Hollen wisely and this sit down at MACo in Ocean City covered all things federal money, Key Bridge, housing costs, AI realities and who is paying for Trump's illegal war in Iran. Democracy and the future of the United States is always front and center when Nestor gets time with our representative in Washington, D.C. to ask hard questions. The post Senator Chris Van Hollen talks federal money and making Maryland and America even more great first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Every year at the Maryland Counties Conference in Ocean City, we welcome Mayor Rick Meehan back to his Towson and Baltimore roots to update us on what's growing at the beach. Here, he gives Nestor the facts about why the proposed sports complex in Berlin is a great idea for the future of OCMD. Oh, and a serious chat here about why the resort is still sandy, sunny and thriving. The post Mayor Rick Meehan gives Nestor the facts about beach and sports tourism in Ocean City at MACo first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

The 2026 Summer MACoCon might be over, but many of the conversations that filled the convention center's halls are ongoing.In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym is joined by Karrington Anderson and Dominic Butchko to look back at what stood out at MACoCon and, more importantly, what comes next. From packed sessions and hallway conversations to the real issues that kept county officials coming back, the trio reflects on what this year's conference revealed about the priorities shaping local government in MarylandTheir conversation touches on how counties have evolved from asking whether to use AI to figuring out how to use it responsibly, why energy, data centers, and housing continue to dominate policy discussions, and the implementation questions surrounding Maryland's paid family and medical leave program and the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund.They also take a quick look at the conversations likely to follow counties into the fall and ultimately the 2027 legislative session, before wrapping up with a few favorite MACoCon moments and more mentions of the Briefing Room than Karrington and Shantelle bargained for.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Following the response to The Briefing Room's energy series, we're revisiting one of the topics that generated the most listener interest: data centers.In this special bonus episode, Dom Butchko is joined by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater to discuss why Frederick County has become one of Maryland's leaders in developing local data center policy. The conversation explores how the county approached zoning, public engagement, and long-term planning, while examining the lessons learned from neighboring jurisdictions and the importance of balancing economic opportunity with community priorities.Jessica also shares how Frederick County has strengthened its regulations over time, coordinated with state partners, and worked to ensure residents remain informed throughout the process. For county officials navigating similar conversations, the episode offers practical insights into developing thoughtful local policy in a rapidly evolving industry.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Converting empty offices into housing sounds like a straightforward way to address two challenges at once, but the financial and physical realities are often far more complicated. In Episode 6 of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Tim Karp of JPMorgan Chase to explore the office-to-housing challenge and what separates a viable conversion from a project that is unlikely to move forward.The conversation examines which buildings are best suited for residential reuse, the design and construction obstacles that can drive up costs, and why conversions may be more expensive than new development. The episode also explores financing gaps, tax credits, public incentives, permitting, and other policies that can help projects pencil out. For policymakers considering how to reactivate underused commercial properties, the discussion offers a practical look at where conversions may work, where they may not, and how broader redevelopment strategies can help create housing and strengthen commercial corridors.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Every month, the Conduit Street Podcast separates the headlines that matter from the stories generating more attention than action. Let's take a look at where things stand as July comes to an end.In this edition of News or Noise, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Karrington Anderson discuss Maryland's upcoming special session on congressional redistricting, why limiting bill drafting isn't as unusual as it may seem, and how legislative practices have evolved over time. They also examine ongoing concerns about local health department funding, the need for a transparent funding formula, and the importance of counties having predictable budget numbers before the fiscal year begins. Finally, our hosts look ahead to Maryland's new task force on county and municipal revenue structures and what it could mean for local governments heading into the 2027 legislative session. And, of course, the segment wouldn't be complete without sports banter. Tune in for the spirited debate over LeBron James, the Philadelphia 76ers, and NBA championship predictions.Notes:Does Maryland's Public Health Funding Still Fit?Special Session Preview: Bill Language, Testimony Details, and What's AheadFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Housing costs rarely rise because of one single policy, fee, or requirement. More often, they build layer by layer until the numbers no longer work. Capturing a Maryland icon, a housing advocate started to tag the layer-upon-layer of process as the "Smith Island Cake Effect." In Episode 5 of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman to explore the “Smith Island Cake Effect” and the many interconnected pressures shaping the cost of housing production. They talk through the layers and discuss where there are deeply considered policies, and where there are streamlining opportunities, to help advance Maryland toward more housing supply at every level.Notes:2025 Housing & the Economy ReportFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Public Health is about more than hospitals and healthcare; it's also about the policies that help people live healthier lives every day.This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Karrington Anderson are joined by Laura Hale, State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, to discuss how counties can help improve community health through smart public policy.Laura shares practical examples of how counties are working with the AHA to make a difference, from expanding access to nutritious school meals and reducing youth exposure to tobacco to helping families make more informed dining choices through informed dining initiatives. She also explains how local governments can use partnerships, policy, and local authority to create healthier communities across Maryland. Plus, you'll hear one surprising statistic that may change the way you think about sugary drinks: the average child consumes the equivalent of a bathtub full each year.Tune in to hear this timely conversation on how thoughtful local policy can improve public health, one school meal, one community partnership, and one informed decision at a time.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on FacebookLearn More: Why Give | American Heart Association

Building affordable housing takes more than public funding. Private lenders and investors play a critical role in turning plans into completed projects.In Episode 4 of The Briefing Room's housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Jordan Bishop of JPMorganChase to explore the private side of the capital stack - the financing that helps transform housing plans into completed communities.The conversation explores how private lenders evaluate affordable housing projects, how tax credits become construction funding, and why predictable policies matter when bringing together public and private investment. The episode also examines how developers assemble complex financing packages, why affordable housing depends on cross-sector collaboration, and what policymakers can do to encourage greater housing production.Whether you're new to housing finance or have followed the series from the beginning, this episode ties together the financial partnerships that make affordable housing possible.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Over the first two episodes of our housing finance series, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey explored how affordable housing projects are financed and why today's economic conditions make development more challenging. In Episode 3, the conversation turns to the public sector.Joined by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day, Dom and Terry examine the state's role in housing finance, from tax credits and gap financing to housing trust funds, infrastructure investment, and partnerships with local governments. The discussion also explores how Maryland is approaching housing affordability, where innovation is occurring, and how changes in federal policies could affect future housing production and homelessness prevention.Whether you're interested in housing policy, local government, or the future of affordable housing in Maryland, this episode offers an inside look at how state investment helps turn housing projects from plans into reality.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Instead of this week's regular Conduit Street Podcast, we're bringing you a bonus episode of The Briefing Room in response to a high-interest topic from our recent energy series.Data centers quickly became one of the most popular topics in our energy series, so Dom Butchko and Kevin Kinnally sat down with Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, to take a deeper look at one of Maryland's most complex policy conversations.Together, they separate fact from fiction on issues ranging from electricity demand and water use to tax revenue, economic development, local land-use authority, community concerns, and Maryland's competitive position in the growing data center economy. The discussion also explores why counties are increasingly weighing the opportunities (and tradeoffs) of attracting this emerging industry.Whether you've been following the debate closely or are just starting to learn about it, this special edition offers practical context for one of the state's biggest policy issues.Tune in to find out what's fact...and what's fiction.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Rural Route: Local Control, Property Rights, and Standing Up for Rural Communities This week on Rural Route, Trent Loos is joined by Shane Eaton from Terry, Montana, for an in-depth discussion on the growing tensions between local governments, landowners, and corporate interests. Shane explains…

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Housing projects do not rise or fall only on land, design, or political will. They also rise or fall with the cost of capital, aka the capital stack. In Episode 2 of The Briefing Room, Dom Butchko and Terry Hickey are joined by Brian McLaughlin, entrepreneur and Board Member of the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, to examine how interest rates, borrowing costs, inflation, insurance, trade policy, tariffs, and broader national economic conditions affect whether housing projects can pencil out.The conversation connects federal and national policy decisions to the realities facing developers, lenders, local governments, and communities across Maryland, exploring why tighter financing conditions can widen funding gaps, delay projects, and make housing production more difficult even when demand remains high.Whether you're a policymaker, housing professional, or simply interested in why housing has become more expensive to build, this episode offers valuable insight into the financial realities shaping housing development today.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This month's News or Noise dives into the biggest political developments coming out of Maryland's June primary elections, and what they could mean for county government, legislative priorities, and the 2027 General Assembly.Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Karrington Anderson break down the latest chatter around a potential special session on redistricting, key legislative upsets, major county executive turnovers, and what a wave of new local leadership means for MACo and Maryland's counties. The team also looks at how issues like education policy, data center politics, and election outcomes are shaping the road ahead.And to close things out? A lighter debate on World Cup fever, prediction markets, and whether Team USA has a real shot. Tune in to find out what's really news, and what's just noiseFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

After wrapping our series on Maryland's energy future, The Briefing Room turns to another defining challenge for counties: housing.In Episode 1 of our new housing finance series, Dom Butchko is joined by Terry Hickey, Baltimore County's Director of Housing & Community Development, to unpack the financial realities behind housing development. The conversation explores how affordable housing deals are assembled and how public programs, private capital, construction costs, regulatory requirements, and community considerations all shape whether a project can move forward.Together, they examine where Maryland's housing finance system is working, where gaps often emerge, and how broader structural pressures are making it harder to meet the state's housing needs. The episode lays the groundwork for a deeper series on what it takes to finance housing in today's market, and what local governments need to make more projects possible.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson is joined by Steve Hobbs, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Counties, for a conversation on the issues shaping county government across state linesFrom property tax pressures and housing affordability to short-term rentals, energy demands, data centers, and legislative term limits, Michael and Steve compare notes on the challenges and differing policy structures in Maryland and Missouri.This podcast episode offers a valuable reminder to listeners: while every state has its own quirks, county governments across the country are wrestling with many of the same big questionsFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko and Kevin Kinnally record from the Conference of Southern County Associations (CSCA) in Williamsburg, Virginia, joined by county leaders and policy experts from across the South for a discussion on the issues shaping local government today.The conversation covers many of the same challenges counties face regardless of state lines, including housing affordability, land use, data center development, infrastructure funding, PFAS regulations, emergency management, and state-local fiscal relationships.Drawing on their recent legislative sessions, guests discuss how states are approaching housing growth, permitting reforms, impact fees, manufactured housing, data centers, environmental regulations, disaster preparedness, and disaster recovery. The discussion also explores how different states balance statewide policy goals with local decision-making and local authority.While the details vary from state to state, counties across the region continue confronting many of the same fiscal, infrastructure, and service delivery challenges. The conversation highlights both the similarities and the different approaches states are taking as counties work to meet growing demands and changing expectations.Tune in for a regional perspective on the policy issues shaping county government across the South and what Maryland can learn from its counterparts in neighboring states.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

In Episode 4 of The Briefing Room, we continue our five-part energy series with a closer look at one of the fastest-growing and most controversial issues facing state and local governments: data centers. Host Dom Butchko is joined by Joe Lerch, Director of Local Government Policy with the Virginia Association of Counties, to break down what data centers are, why Northern Virginia became the center of the industry, and what Maryland policymakers can learn from Virginia's experience. The conversation explores the economic promises, infrastructure pressures, and public policy questions that come with data center growth as demand for AI and cloud computing continues to accelerate.JLARC Data Center ReportVACo Podcast w/ JLARC Report Lead Aruthor. VACo Energy Landscape of Virginia Series Virginia Biennial Data Center Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Report – January 2, 2026Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

We're back with another special edition of the Conduit Street Podcast, with the MACo team taking up several issues from this month's headlines, and trying to sort out which are the real stories (news) and which are more smoke than fire (noise). Hosts Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dominic Butchko talk through data centers, special session rumors, property taxes, bond rating agencies, and more... and pin down what you need to know about all these topics in a fast-moving chat through multiple hot topics.Register Today for 2026 Summer MACoCon Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

In Episode 3 of The Briefing Room, Maryland's energy picture comes into sharper focus. Host Dom Butchko is joined by Public Service Commission Chair Kumar Barve to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the state: where does our power actually come from? From fossil fuels and renewables to nuclear power and imported electricity, the conversation cuts through the complexity of Maryland's energy portfolio and gets into the real-world tradeoffs behind each source. Power plants, transmission lines, solar fields, data centers, and rising demand all land somewhere, and each shapes communities, budgets, land use, and local politics for years. This episode explores the pressures driving Maryland's energy debate and the practical takeaways county leaders need to understand as the state plans for what comes next.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the recent vendor issue involving Maryland's mail-in ballots for the June 23 gubernatorial primary and walk through what county officials and voters need to know moving forward.The conversation explains how Maryland's election system is structured, why the State Board of Elections decided to send replacement ballots, what safeguards exist to prevent duplicate voting, and why counties are not expected to absorb the costs tied to replacement efforts. Our dynamic duo also shed light on the role county governments actually play in election administration, the importance of maintaining public confidence in elections, and how misinformation and social media reactions can quickly complicate public understanding of election issues.Plus, hear takeaways from MACo's recent membership conversation with State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis and where voters should go for trusted updates.Tune in for a practical conversation focused on process, transparency, and separating fact from fiction during a rapidly developing election story. Show Notes:Mail-In Ballot Questions: What Is the County Government's Role? – Conduit StreetFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

In Episode 2 of The Briefing Room's energy series, Dom Butchko sits down with Jason Stanek, Executive Director of Governmental Services at PJM Interconnection, to unpack the role of energy regions in Maryland's power future. The conversation breaks down what PJM is, how it works with states and local governments, why the interconnection queue has drawn so much attention, and what improvements are underway. The episode also looks ahead to the future of the regional grid, including where new generation, transmission, reliability, and demand pressures may shape the next phase of the energy conversation.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko sit down with Dr. Mileah Kromer, director of the Institute of Politics at UMBC, to break down the latest UMBC Poll releases and what they reveal about Maryland voters heading into the 2026 election cycle.The conversation covers affordability pressures, trust in government, public safety, confidence in institutions, and how Marylanders view the direction of both the state and the Baltimore region. They also dig into how much attention residents pay to state and local government, what polling can — and cannot — tell us, and how opinions shifted between statewide polling in March and Baltimore-focused polling in April.And yes, they also make time for Orioles baseball, regional identity, and whether Marylanders agree more on sports than politics right now.Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on polling, public opinion, government trust, and the issues shaping Maryland politics and county government in 2026UMBC Poll: https://politics.umbc.edu/umbcpoll/ Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

The Conduit Street Podcast is launching something new.Introducing The Briefing Room, a new limited series designed to take a deeper dive into the complex policy issues shaping Maryland's counties. In this first episode, host Dominic Butchko kicks off a multi-part series on energy policy, starting with the fundamentals: how the system works, who the key players are, and why it matters for local governments.Joined by Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman and Section Chief for Climate Programs and State Policy in Montgomery County, Garrett Fitzgerald, the conversation breaks down the often-overlooked structure of energy generation, transmission, and regulation, and unpacks the growing tension among affordability, reliability, and local priorities.From rising energy costs to land use conflicts and the expanding role of data centers, this episode sets the stage for a deeper look at one of the most pressing policy areas facing counties today.New episodes of our limited series, The Briefing Room, drop on Tuesdays.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, longtime hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are "back in the saddle" with a post-session "news or noise" breakdown of what really mattered, and what didn't, from Maryland's 2026 legislative session.From a quieter-than-usual budget process to major issues left unresolved, the duo sorts through big-picture takeaways and what counties should be watching next. Does late-session floor drama actually matter? And why are data centers, energy costs, and disaster response quickly rising to the top of the policy agenda?They also dig into a critical question for counties: how prepared is Maryland to respond to major emergencies as federal support becomes less certain, and why building a reliable, state-backed system is becoming a front-burner issue.Listen in for a fast-paced, practical conversation on what's next for Maryland policy, and what it means for counties heading into 2027.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This Week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an episode fresh from Sine Die to break down the 2026 legislative session from start to finish.With major leadership shakeups before session even began, a fast-moving 90 days, and plenty of last-minute fireworks, this year was anything but predictable. Hosts Dom Butchko, Sarah Sample, and Karrington Anderson walk through the biggest storylines, from housing and energy to labor, corrections, and more. They also share key wins, notable bills, and what mattered most for counties.The conversation doesn't end there! With an election year ahead and major budget challenges looming, the team looks ahead to what's next, including affordability pressures, education funding gaps, and the future of state-local partnerships.If you want the full picture of what just happened in Annapolis and what it means moving forward, this episode has you covered.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally sits down with Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis, to cut through the noise surrounding recent federal election activity and what it actually means for Maryland. From executive orders to the SAVE Act to mail ballots, misinformation, AI deepfakes, and voter outreach, this conversation tackles what's real, what isn't, and how Maryland's state and local election officials are working to protect voter access and election integrity. Plus, hear why counties and local boards of elections remain on the front lines as election season approaches.  Maryland State Board of ElectionsFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down where Maryland's budget and “Big BRFA” stand as the General Assembly enters its final weeks. As usual, their conversation covers a wide range of issues. From the teacher pension cost shift and assisted outpatient treatment proposal to disparity grant funding, the 911 Trust Fund, emergency management readiness, and the latest wrinkle tied to law enforcement funding – our hosts unpack what stayed in, what came out, and ultimately what this all means for local governments. Plus, find out why next year's budget picture might be even tougher…Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on FacebookMACo's Legislative Tracking Database

As Maryland's legislative session approaches crossover, MACo's policy team is deep in the work of shaping legislation that affects counties across the state.In this episode of the Conduit Street podcast, Michael Sanderson is joined by Karrington Anderson and Charlotte Fleckenstein (making her podcast debut), as they walk through what advocacy looks like in real time. From testifying on complex labor policy to weighing in on unexpected issues like statewide “dogs at large” laws, there's never a dull moment.The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how MACo approaches legislation. Whether the issue is workforce policy, public safety, or economic development, a consistent theme comes to the fore - one size does not fit all when it comes to Maryland's counties.Listeners will also hear how MACo provides critical context to state policymakers, why local governments face unique fiscal constraints, and what to watch as the General Assembly heads into the final stretch of the legislative session.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on FacebookMACo's Legislative Tracking Database

In this episode of Talking Trek Live, DJz and the crew welcome UltraVetika for a special content creator showcase, diving into his background in streaming, his APAC-based channel, and the Star Trek fandom that helped shape both his content and his connection to Star Trek Fleet Command. From community-driven gameplay and mid-ops progression talk to the wild charm of duck races, the first part of the show is a fun and personal look at one of the game's standout creators. In the second half, the panel breaks down the latest GM Conor roadmap update, including galactic anomalies, planetary bases, Starfleet Academy content, open armadas, dreadnoughts, alliance gameplay changes, quality-of-life improvements, and more. It's a lively mix of analysis, skepticism, optimism, and classic Talking Trek chaos as the crew explores what 2026 could mean for the future of STFC.   01:06 Opening intro, roadmap tease, and UltraVetika welcome 09:15 UltraVetika introduces himself, APAC life, and stream schedule 17:05 How content creators turn community knowledge into usable gameplay tips 24:05 Fresh Ops 70 life, staying put, and avoiding extra squishiness 32:10 Mid-ops nostalgia, MaCo experience, and why old content still hits 41:34 Speeding through ops, AI building buffs, and account catch-up talk 50:01 Field training, player learning curves, and creator influence in STFC 58:22 Raids, relationships, and why the Star Trek community keeps creators connected 01:03:17 Why UltraVetika's channel works so well as both learning and hangout content 01:06:35 Duck races, channel personality, and community engagement magic 01:12:24 Mid-show reset and pivot into Ultra's Star Trek fandom 01:13:01 Growing up on TNG in Australia and recording episodes on VHS 01:14:02 Finding Fleet Command through ads and never looking back 01:32:35 Roadmap segment begins with galactic anomalies 01:33:37 Planetary bases, customization, and social-space ambitions 01:35:15 Open armadas, alliance tournaments, and social gameplay focus 01:35:56 Dreadnoughts, creator programs, and bigger Trek holiday events 01:47:30 Roadmap reactions: cautious optimism on planetary bases 01:49:05 Maverick tasks, alliance teamwork, and Connor's team-oriented vision 01:58:28 Challenge track choices and playing the game on your own terms 02:03:03 Effort vs spending, legacy officers, and why game knowledge still matters 02:05:15 Galactic anomalies compared to hazards and deeper roadmap analysis 02:48:30 Final reflections, future arc hype, Ultra shoutout, and sign-off

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we check in on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session as lawmakers approach the critical crossover deadline.MACo's Michael Sanderson, Dominic Butchko, and Kevin Kinnally break down where things stand in Annapolis, including the state budget outlook, mounting fiscal pressure on legislation, and a surge of housing bills aimed at addressing affordability across Maryland.The conversation also explores how counties are working with legislators to refine housing proposals, why infrastructure such as schools and water systems remains central to development discussions, and how MACo continues to weigh in on hundreds of bills affecting county government.With crossover approaching, the team shares what to watch in the coming weeks and where major issues may be headed next.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

Featuring MACo President and Roosevelt County Commissioner Gordon Oelkers, Lewis & Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen, and Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier The post County by County the Work's Getting Done – LIVE from MACo first appeared on Voices of Montana.

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson sits down with Dr. Roger E. Hartley of the University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of public service in Maryland.Hartley reflects on his decade as dean and discusses how institutions of higher learning can better partner with state and local governments to strengthen leadership pipelines, modernize workforce training, and meet emerging challenges. Drawing on the Certified Public Manager program and paid public service internships, the conversation explores how to fill that county-university gap. They also examine broader themes facing public service today, such as an aging workforce, breaking down silos between agencies, and the need for interdisciplinary solutions to health, housing, and sustainability.In true Conduit Street fashion, this episode even ventures into music, craft beer, and Dr. Hartley's plans visit all 122 Maryland breweries.If you care about the future of local government, workforce development, and the evolving mission of public service, this podcast episode was recorded just for you! Check out Pitchfork's 50 Best Albums of 2025Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

As Maryland lawmakers weigh how to address a looming transportation “cliff,” local leaders are sounding the alarm about what's at stake for local roads and bridges.In this special episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Michael Sanderson and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym bring listeners inside the February 3 Senate Budget and Taxation Committee hearing on Senate Bill 288, legislation aimed at stabilizing Highway User Revenues for local governments.This episode features testimony from local officials, public works leaders, and other elected officials from across Maryland, all making the case that predictable transportation funding is essential for road safety, snow removal, emergency response, and long-term infrastructure maintenance. Speakers detail how years of underfunding have created backlogs, deferred maintenance, and increased fiscal pressures on local budgets, and most importantly, why falling off the FY28 funding cliff would make those challenges worse. Listen for a full breakdown of the local perspective and why SB 288 is a critical step toward restoring balance in the State–local transportation partnership.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

In this week's episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, our familiar hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson take the microphone to walk us through Governor Wes Moore's proposed FY27 budget and the accompanying Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act – or as Michael likes to call it, “Big BRFA.”They break down the topline numbers, explain how the budget closes a projected shortfall, and examine what the plan ultimately means for local services – including education funding growth, some spending changes, but roughly $200 million in new and continued cost shifts to county governments. The conversation also dives into capped formulas, pension cost shifts, community college funding limits, and proposals affecting 9-1-1, public health services, and disparity grants. A full plate, for a busy session ahead.As the General Assembly begins its work, this episode sets the stage for the fiscal debates ahead and explains why counties, again, remain central to Maryland's budget decisions. What Do You Do About Fluky Formulas?DLS Fiscal Briefing Warns of Mounting Cost Shifts and Budget GapsFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

As flu season intensifies and public health misinformation continues to circulate, counties remain on the front lines of protecting community health.In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Karrington Anderson are joined by Dr. Meena Brewster, Health Officer for St. Mary's County, to discuss how local health departments operate as both strategists and first responders within Maryland's shared public health system. The conversation explores this year's challenging flu season, vaccine confidence, and the role counties play in delivering trusted, science-based guidance to residents.Dr. Brewster also highlights St. Mary's County's innovative Health Hub, a MACo award-winning, nationally recognized integrated model that brings behavioral health, crisis services, and community supports together to better serve residents and reduce strain on emergency and justice systems. The episode closes with a broader look at Maryland's Commission on Public Health and the long-term investments needed to strengthen public health infrastructure across the state.Learn More: Building the Future of Maryland Public Health Safeguard Vaccine Access for Marylanders Vax Act of 2026 Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

As Maryland heads into the 2026 General Assembly session, county governments are confronting a familiar challenge, but with sharper edges.In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo's Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dominic Butchko break down why affordability is the defining theme of the upcoming session. From rising construction and labor costs to housing shortages, energy prices, and growing uncertainty out of Washington, counties are feeling pressure from every direction, often faster than revenues can keep pace.The conversation explores how budget constraints shape legislative priorities, why housing and energy policy are increasingly intertwined, and how federal workforce instability and shrinking grant support ripple directly into county services. Our hosts also examine what an election year, new House leadership, committee reshuffling, and potential redistricting debates could mean for legislative bandwidth and compromise.If you want to understand why this session feels different, and what counties should be watching as lawmakers return to Annapolis, this episode sets the stage.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

As Maryland heads toward another consequential legislative session, energy policy is once again front and center, and counties are feeling the pressure.In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko are joined by Valencia McClure, Senior Vice President of Governmental, Regulatory, and External Affairs at Exelon, for a wide-ranging conversation on energy security, rising costs, and grid reliability.The discussion explores why Maryland is facing growing risks, including surging demand driven by data centers and electrification, limited in-state generation capacity, and an aging grid. McClure explains what it means for Maryland to be a net importer of electricity, why supply costs are driving up residents' bills, and how projected shortfalls could lead to brownouts as early as 2027 if action is delayed.The episode also dives into the evolving policy debate over who should build new generation, the role utilities could play alongside merchant generators, and why counties, though not energy regulators, are often on the front lines when reliability falters or costs spike.For county leaders, policymakers, and anyone trying to understand what's behind today's energy headlines, this conversation offers timely context on the challenges ahead and the decisions that will shape Maryland's energy future.Learn More:Maryland Power Supply Crisis | Take Back Our Power MDFollow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

What does it take for a county to move toward functional zero for homelessness?In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Karrington Anderson and Dominic Butchko sit down with Kelly Cimino, Director of the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development, to unpack The Path Toward Zero, Howard County's ambitious five-year plan to end homelessness.Kelly walks through what “functional zero” really means in practice, why homelessness is fundamentally a housing supply challenge, and how counties can align prevention, diversion, shelter capacity, and permanent housing to better serve residents. The conversation explores the realities counties face today: limited affordable housing, rising costs, federal funding uncertainty, and the need for strong partnerships with nonprofits, healthcare providers, landlords, and the broader community.Listeners will also hear how Howard County is using innovative tools, from landlord guarantee programs to non-congregate shelter models, to build capacity, respond quickly to crises, and keep residents housed whenever possible. This episode offers valuable insights for county leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in how local governments are addressing one of the most complex challenges facing communities today.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, our host Dominic Butchko is joined by Zach Schafer, Assistant Secretary at the Maryland Department of the Environment, for a wide-ranging conversation on the environmental issues shaping county decision-making ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session.Drawing on his experience at both the federal and state levels, including time at the U.S. EPA, Schafer discusses the growing focus on PFAS, what counties need to know about emerging drinking water standards, and why local governments often serve as passive recipients of contamination. The conversation also explores water infrastructure funding, producer responsibility, and the practical realities of implementing environmental policy closer to the ground.The discussion extends to climate change and resilience, including flood risk, stormwater management, housing development, and the importance of investing in prevention rather than recovery. Throughout the episode, Schafer emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the critical partnership between state and county governments in protecting public health and natural resources.Tune in for a thoughtful, practical discussion grounded in local government realities.Follow us on Socials!MACo on TwitterMACo on Facebook