Conduit Street Podcast

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 Twitter MACo 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 Elections Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

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 Twitter MACo on Facebook MACo'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 Twitter MACo on Facebook MACo's Legislative Tracking Database

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 Twitter MACo on Facebook

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 2025 Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo 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 Twitter MACo 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 Gaps Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo 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 Twitter MACo 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 Twitter MACo 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 MD Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo 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 Twitter MACo 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 Twitter MACo on Facebook

Recorded live at MACo’s 2025 Winter Conference, this episode features an in-depth, candid conversation with Alex Donahue, Executive Director of the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC), on one of the most pressing challenges facing Maryland counties: school construction. Joined by MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson, Donahue breaks down why school construction costs have risen dramatically, how inflation and funding constraints are straining both state and local budgets, and what the growing backlog of projects means for students, counties, and communities across Maryland. The discussion explores the realities behind capital funding, the limits of existing state programs, the increasing pressure on counties to forward-fund projects, and why collaboration between counties, school systems, and the state is more critical than ever. Donahue also outlines emerging strategies, from energy efficiency and total cost of ownership to flexible facility planning, that can help counties navigate today’s challenges while planning responsibly for the future. This live Winter MACoCon session offers valuable insight for county leaders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the long-term sustainability of Maryland’s public-school infrastructure. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

As Maryland heads into a challenging budget year and an election cycle legislative session, Professor Todd Eberly of St. Mary’s College of Maryland joins the Conduit Street Podcast to unpack the forces shaping the state’s political and economic landscape. Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson talk with Prof. Eberly about the ripple effects of federal government shutdowns, trade and tariff policy, disaster aid, Medicaid funding, and the growing strain on Maryland’s budget outlook. The conversation also explores Maryland’s $1.4 billion projected budget shortfall, the pressure on education and healthcare funding, and how election year dynamics complicate tough fiscal decisions. Listen in for a wide-ranging, practical look at what’s ahead for Maryland and its counties. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

Housing will take center stage in the 2026 legislative session, and counties are ready. This week, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dom Butchko walk through MACo's major legislative initiative, the BAMBY Act (Build Affordably in My Backyard). Together they trace the recent history of housing policy in Maryland, unpack the 2025 session, and outline the solutions counties are bringing to the table this year - including zoning flexibility, infrastructure alignment, regulatory certainty, and strategic tools to support affordability across the state. Tying everything together, Dom explains how counties spent time gathering input from all 24 jurisdictions and why 2026 could be the year meaningful housing reforms move forward. A must-listen for anyone tracking housing, smart growth, infrastructure, land use, and county–state collaboration in Annapolis. See the accompanying Policy Deep Dive: Solutions to Address Maryland’s Housing Crisis Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this week's episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Karrington Anderson talks with Sarah Sample to break down the rapidly evolving world of Public Information Act (PIA) requests in Maryland and why counties are feeling the pressure. They talk through the effects of the rise of automated and anonymous AI-generated PIA requests, cybersecurity threats entering through the request funnel, and how counties are navigating challenges the law never anticipated. Sarah breaks down the recent recommendations from the Public Information Act Compliance Board, the expanded role of the Public Access Ombudsman, and how technology - from cloud storage to body-worn camera footage - has drastically reshaped the request and fulfillment process. With the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session fast approaching, this timely conversation explores where policy, transparency, and technological realities collide. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Karrington Anderson debut a new recurring segment – Conduit Street Podcast Hot Takes, where our hosts break down what’s “news” and what’s just… “noise” in Maryland policy and politics. In this episode, the trio tackles the ongoing federal government shutdown, exploring how it’s straining Maryland’s economy, threatening food assistance programs like SNAP, and testing the resilience of counties caught in the crossfire. From back pay for federal workers to state-level stopgaps and county-level ripple effects, our hosts give their candid takes on the headlines everyone’s talking about. It’s Maryland politics meets sports radio – sharp, insightful, a dash of quick takes, and a sprinkle of friendly banter. Was it "fire" or just "chopped"? Either way, here are notes from the show: ‘SNL’ parodies ‘fire’ Maryland teen podcasters and their veggie-hating vibes Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson sit down with Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr., a former Maryland Delegate, Baltimore County Executive, and 2025 MACo President, now serving Maryland’s Second Congressional District. Congressman Olszewski discusses the federal shutdown and the strain it places on Maryland communities, particularly those where federal pay and services are a significant anchor to local economies. He emphasizes the need for practical, bipartisan work when residents feel the pressure in real time. We discuss the transition from local executive leadership to Congress, the contrast between county governance and Washington, DC, and how hands-on service back home influences decision-making in a polarized federal environment. The discussion explores the "shock factor" of DC politics, the pace and tone shift from county governance, and the importance of staying grounded and focused on residents during uncertain times. Contact Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson...goes solo? Just kidding! He does set the stage, however, for a special recording from St. Mary’s County, where MACo President and Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson joins Michael for a briefing with St. Mary’s County leaders to talk all things local governance. It’s a lively, conversation that hits the big levers counties are wrestling with right now: the State’s recent cost shifts (from tens of millions in teacher pensions to new assessment admin bills and even wrongful-conviction settlements), housing reform prospects that could realign local permitting and narrow public-input windows, and energy siting fights where Public Service Commission preemption leaves counties with a “weak hand” on large solar projects. They also touch on the federal shutdown’s local ripple effects. If you want a real-world snapshot of budgets, Blueprint pressures, housing, and energy, all through a county lens, this field episode is for you. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook