Conduit Street Podcast

This week on the Conduit Street podcast, MACo's policy team discusses the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Now, in year three of the rollout, stakeholders are assessing where the visionary education plan stands along with what appetite exists amongst Annapolis lawmakers to address both fiscal and operational challenges during the next legislative session. Be sure to check out the companion article to this Blueprint podcast on the Conduit Street blog. Look out for this conversation to continue at the upcoming 2024 MACo Winter Conference held December 11-13 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD.

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, host Michael Sanderson talks with Faith Leach, Baltimore City's Chief Administrative Officer. They explore Baltimore’s innovative approaches to tackling fiscal challenges and its progress in modernizing its financial strategies. Faith Leach also highlights recent improvements in public safety and shares tips on what makes Baltimore an exciting city to visit. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on how Baltimore City is evolving and thriving. LinkedIn Twitter City of Baltimore

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally are joined by "vibe checker in chief" Mileah Kromer, who, after 12 years of monitoring public perception of Maryland politics and issues through the Goucher College Poll, will serve as the inaugural director of UMBC's Institute of Politics. Together, they dive into the nuances of polling, the importance of swing states in national elections, and why state-level polling in Maryland still matters. Mileah also shares her thoughts on the Maryland Senate race, Orioles baseball, and what’s next for UMBC’s political outreach. Tune in for insightful political analysis and some lighthearted banter. Article: Kromer Announced As Director Of UMBC Institute Of Politics LinkedIn: Mileah Kromer - Director, UMBC Institute of Politics Twitter @MileahKromer

On this special crossover episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we're excited to feature Michael Sanderson’s recent guest appearance on the "I Hate Politics" podcast with Sunil Dasgupta. Michael delves into Maryland tax policy, sharing his expertise on county property and income taxes. I Hate Politics Episode Description: No one likes to pay taxes. We do because we must. Governments raise taxes in infinite ways to meet seemingly unending demands from the people. With many states and local governments headed toward a few years of fiscal imbalance, Sunil Dasgupta asks Michael Sanderson, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Counties, about where local and state taxes come from? Music for this episode comes from Alexandria, Virginia, alt-rock band, Jackie and The Treehorns. Check out the I Hate Politics Podcast

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample dives into discussions about major issues affecting public safety and health care for justice-involved populations. Joined by guest Senator Will Smith, they speak on the importance of mental health services and substance use disorder treatments for justice-involved populations, justice reforms, and collaborations between state and local governments. Together, they look back on legislative efforts in the 2024 session and share insights on what might come for 2025. Plus, don't miss his tips for staying energized during the session!

In this week's Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome Professor Luke Spreen from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Professor Spreen digs into his areas of expertise - tax policy, fairness, and the sometimes unexpected outcomes from efforts to adjust and refine a revenue structure. You might be surprised by the number of immediate connections right back to the current debates in Annapolis on adequately funding the Blueprint and other programs. Listen in for a not-too-nerdy talk-through of issues that face State and county leaders in Maryland and elsewhere as they search for the fairest way to support needed public services. Show Notes: Renters' Tax Credits Social Exchange Theory Professor Luke Spreen

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson chats with Mo Hasan, who will deliver keynote comments at the upcoming MACo Summer Conference. Mo Hasan and his company, Intupower, are harnessing generative AI as a tool not just for tech-inclined people but for everyone - including local governments. On the podcast, he talks about thinking of AI as a tool for everyone and spells out its transformative potential. Your ability to meet the needs of your residents, effectively gauge service delivery, and save time and resources in planning and vision -- all among the pots of gold at the end of the AI rainbow. Listen in, and get yourself fired up for another can't-miss #MACoCon in August! https://www.linkedin.com/in/themohasan/ https://www.intupower.com/themohasan https://www.intupower.com/ https://www.mdcounties.org/1414/Summer-2024

On this week's podcast, MACo's Executive Director, Michael Sanderson, sits down with his predecessor, longtime Director David Bliden. They talk through issues facing counties back in the 80s and 90s, and note how many of them continue to resonate today. David also talks through his beginnings at MACo, and his vision for MACo as a vibrant and well-respected voice for county services. Great stories about former Senate President Miller, MACo President Dutch Ruppersberger, and other highlights of David's years as a county leader. A little bit of inside baseball, a little bit of memory lane, and a good insight into what has made MACo tick through the years.

In this week's episode, MACo's Michael Sanderson connects with his Pennsylvania counterpart, Lisa Schaefer. She guides the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, which serves and represents its 64 county members. They compare and contrast the two states: the budget process (where PA is still haggling over their state budget that starts on Monday), the legislative calendar, the crisis in local jails, addressing the opioid crisis, and so on. And... what is a Commonwealth, after all? Join us for a free-flowing conversation spanning across the Mason-Dixon line, but not worlds apart. County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Montgomery County Council Member Dawn Luedtke and Captain Jason Cokinos of the Montgomery County Police Department join Sarah Sample to discuss the use of drones as first responders. Tune in to hear how Montgomery County designed and implemented a plan to put drones to use for the safety of their residents. The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog. Links mentioned: - Learn more about MACo's Summer Conference - Submit suggestions for MACo's 2025 Legislative Initiatives

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Amy Moredock joins Dominic Butchko to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—what they are, why they're a hot topic, and the counties' role in zoning. Amy Moredock is a professional planner with 20 years of land use experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She has been directly involved in local and state planning efforts with a long history of drafting and implementing a wide variety of land use ordinances and reviewing projects and permits. Her areas of focus include environmental regulation, floodplain management, resiliency and hazard planning, comprehensive planning, and water resources planning. She is a member of the American Planning Association and the National and Maryland Chapters of Certified Floodplain and Stormwater Managers. Having served as the Eastern Shore regional representative from 2013-2020, Amy is currently the chair of the Maryland Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers. She has been the MACo representative on the Governor’s Intergovernmental Committee on Agriculture (GICA) since 2014 and currently represents the MACo Planners Affiliate on the Governor's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Task Force. The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog. Links mentioned: - State of MD's Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Task Force Report - MACo's Deep Dive Blog Article on ADUs

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Ted Zaleski and Robbie Sandlass join Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss pressing budget and finance issues for the State of Maryland and county governments. Topics include the intricacies of bond ratings and how they affect financial health and borrowing capabilities, increasing pressure to fund public schools, why distinguishing between one-time and ongoing costs is crucial for sustainable budgeting and financial planning, and more. Ted Zaleski is the director of the Carroll County Office of Budget and Management. He also serves as president of the MACo Budget and Finance Officers Affiliate and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) Robbie Sandlass has served as Harford County Treasurer since 2014. In addition to his duties as the County’s chief financial officer, he also chairs the Boards of Trustees for the County’s Sheriff Office Pension Plan (SOPP) for correctional officers, Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer firefighters, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) for retiree health care. He also represents MACo on the Maryland Retirement and Pension System's Board of Trustees. The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis joins Kevin Kinnally to recap Maryland's primary election and look ahead to the general election in November. Plus, a discussion on election security and the impacts of new technology on the electoral process. Counties administer and fund elections at the local level, overseeing polling places and coordinating poll workers every two years. But with modern trends in voter preference, new technology, difficulties recruiting and retaining election judges, threats and intimidation from hostile actors, new and evolving cyber threats, and defending against a constant stream of disinformation, the 2024 election cycle is top of mind for county leaders and state and local election officials alike. Jared DeMarinis has been the Maryland State Board of Elections administrator since September 2023. He previously served as the SBE’s director of Candidacy and Campaign Finance, where he implemented electoral policy and interpreted candidacy and campaign finance laws. The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog. Useful Links: MACo Policy Deep Dive: Emerging Election Trends

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally dive deep into the financial challenges facing Maryland counties. They discuss the phased implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and its effect on county budgets, highlighting the need for innovative revenue-raising options beyond property taxes. The conversation underscores the progressive goals of the Blueprint, focusing on providing extra resources to schools serving high-poverty communities. Join Michael and Kevin as they explore these complex issues and discuss the importance of local flexibility in making the Blueprint work for everyone. Tune in for these insights and more on the Conduit Street Podcast.

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we delve into Maryland's groundbreaking court-ordered mental health treatment program, making the state the 48th to establish such a program. Joining the podcast is Marie Grant, Assistant Secretary for Health Policy at the Maryland Department of Health, alongside host Sarah Sample, to discuss the implications for Maryland, county governments, and mental health treatment access statewide. Tune in as they explore the bill's journey through the legislative process, the real-world problems it aims to solve, and the intricacies of the court-ordered treatment process.

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Dominic Butchko and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym are joined by Elizabeth Malasky, Queen Anne’s County Public Information Manager, and Sara Shelley, Co-Founder and President of Plastic Free QAC. They discuss Queen Anne’s County’s innovative program addressing boat plastic shrink wrap recycling, aiming to reduce the 30 tons of plastic waste generated annually. The program, a partnership with the Marine Trade Association of Maryland, offers a solution to recycle shrink wrap, involving marinas, commercial retailers, and private boat owners. The initiative highlights the power of public-private partnerships and community collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. Tune in to learn more about this impactful program and how it could inspire similar initiatives across Maryland. Show Notes: Boat ShrinkWrap Recycle Program

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman to discuss her role as a statewide fiscal and policy leader. They delve into the role of the Comptroller, Maryland's uniquely positioned Board of Public Works, and the Revenue Estimating process, as she shares some takeaways from research into Maryland's economy and underlying demographics. Be ready for some insight into the Maryland economy and the surprising fiscal and workforce effect of the state's foreign-born population. Listen in as they unpack these crucial topics and more with Comptroller Lierman. Show Notes: Maryland Board of Public Works Board of Revenue Estimates Immigration and the Economy Report State of the Economy Report Follow Comptroller Lierman on Twitter

Join Dom Butchko from the MACo Policy Team on a special Earth Week episode of the Conduit Street Podcast as he welcomes Kristen Harbeson and Rebecca Rehr from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV). They discuss LCV's mission, priorities, and their impact on local governments, highlighting areas that overlap with county missions. The conversation delves into hot topics like solar siting, tools developed by LCV for counties, and challenges and future collaboration opportunities, including climate change and sea level rise. Tune in for insightful discussions and a preview of what's to come in the world of environmental advocacy! Show notes: Rooftop solar panels are flooding California’s grid. That’s a problem Last Week's Podcast on Water

In the latest Conduit Street podcast episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome back a popular guest, Dr. Mileah Kromer of Goucher Poll fame. Dr. Kromer talks through the findings and "vibes" from her recent polls, both statewide and in Baltimore. What issues are on the minds of Maryland voters as they consider elections ahead? What do they think of the current direction of Maryland and its economy, and how do they feel about the response to the Key Bridge collapse? And, as always, a few engaging bits about the Orioles and this-and-that from social media. Join us for a fun ride through policy, public opinion, and a timely "vibe check." Show Notes: https://www.goucher.edu/hughes-center/goucher-college-poll/ https://www.goucher.edu/hughes-center/ https://twitter.com/MileahKromer

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko from the MACo Policy Team is joined by Lisa Ochsenhirt from AquaLaw and Erik Michelsen from Anne Arundel County Dept of Public Works for a timely discussion on all things water. They'll discuss the latest on "forever chemicals," stream restoration, and the recently passed Whole Watershed Act of 2024. Plus, learn about the effects of sea level rise on Maryland's critical infrastructure. Tune in for this enlightening conversation! Show Notes: Overview of the Whole Watershed Act of 2024