Conduit Street Podcast

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

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, join Sarah Sample and Dominic Butchko from the MACo Policy Team as they take listeners on a 'rapid round ride' through MACo's major portfolio of issues from the just-wrapped 2024 legislative session. From affordable housing to public safety, firefighters, and health, they'll highlight MACo's big wins and key county concerns. Plus, don't miss their sneak peek at the upcoming Summer Conference in Ocean City! Tune in now to catch all the excitement.

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson is joined by Shantelle Malcolm-Lym from the MACo team. They discuss the ongoing policy debates in Annapolis, particularly focusing on transportation funding cuts and their effect on local communities. This special episode highlights an audio excerpt from a January 16, 2024, briefing in the Appropriation Committee. It features Mayor Brandon Scott discussing Baltimore City's longstanding needs, MACo President John “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr. addressing the impact on Baltimore County and all counties, and our very own Michael Sanderson breaking down the "hows" and the "whys." Tune in to hear the compelling case against cutting back on Highway User Revenues and the potential service and safety cuts to communities.

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson talk through the 2024 legislative session wrapping up and top off recent discussions around the still-developing budget, the effects of the Key Bridge tragedy, and several more county government issues that remain "in play" during these always-eventful last weeks of the 90-day session.

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson talk through the Senate actions regarding the State's fiscal plan for the year ahead - the budget and accompanying reconciliation bill. Cuts to Highway User Revenues (but not the deepest cuts on the table), some restored funding for our community colleges, and... some more work to do on county priorities. They discuss the two waves of bad news that made this year's budget even harder, and then speculate on what lies ahead as the session starts to wind down. 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: Conduit Street Coverage of State Budget & Fiscal Issues

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym welcome guest Cathy Muse from the National Association of Counties Edge program. She talks through the various cost-saving tools available to all Maryland counties through NACo's partnerships that can help develop attractive employee benefits, manage public funds, and recruit top talent to the public sector. Muse draws on her own experience as a procurement specialist to explain NACo's newly launched Public Promise Procurement offerings, leveraging a fully competitive lead-agency model to streamline major purchases by counties - another great tool to help counties get the most from their tax dollars. Cathy has served in public procurement for over 40 years at the federal, state, and local levels. After retiring from Fairfax County, Virginia, where she served as the Chief Procurement Officer, Cathy joined the NACo EDGE team to develop procurement solutions for counties and launch Public Promise Procurement. 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 National Association of Counties: Tools for Counties

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss formula funding -- which aims to provide predictable and stable funding. But what happens when your funding formula… fails -- or at least delivers far less than expected? This episode covers funding formulas for two programs important to county governments, the Disparity Grant and Program Open Space. These are two programs that Maryland policymakers set up many years ago… both have special funding by law, rather than just fighting each year in the budget debate… and both are going over a cliff this year. The Disparity Grant Program provides noncategorical State aid to low-wealth jurisdictions. It promotes equity across jurisdictions to overcome disparate tax bases — ensuring that counties that rely on local income taxes for substantial revenue can generate sufficient yield to fund schools, public health, public safety, roadway maintenance, and other essential community services. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for 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.

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson talks with Ben Yelin of the Center for Health and Homeland Security about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology. They discuss these capabilities' exciting opportunities and potential downsides – and their connections to public services and privacy. Public policy often struggles to keep up with the pace of emerging technologies, and this field seems like another complex example, though there are some reasons to remain hopeful. They also talk a bit about the human and analytic sides of modern football as Yelin pitches his 49ers as a new focus for disappointed Ravens fans. Ben Yelin, JD, is the Program Director for Public Policy and External Affairs at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, where he consults public and private entities on homeland security, cybersecurity, and emergency management policy. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where he teaches courses on electronic surveillance and the Fourth Amendment. In 2021, Ben served as the co-chair of the Maryland Cybersecurity Council's ad-hoc committee on State and Local Cybersecurity and co-drafted a comprehensive report on Maryland's cybersecurity posture and a list of recommendations for policy changes. The report became the framework for a suite of bills enacted in the 2022 session. Ben also co-hosts the Caveat podcast, part of the Cyberwire network. This weekly show covers surveillance, cybersecurity, digital privacy, and more. 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 Previous Conduit Street Coverage: The Robots Are Coming: AI Through the County Lens at #MACoCon Previous Conduit Street Coverage: President Biden Issues Executive Order to Establish AI Safeguards Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Here’s How States Are Regulating AI Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Suite of Strong Cyber Bills Signed Into Law University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security Caveat Podcast Follow Ben Yelin on Twitter

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss fast-growing Frederick - both as a challenge and an opportunity. Attracting major technology companies presents unique challenges, but the upside is good jobs and local leverage into a vast commercial growth sector. The technology sector is driving tremendous demand for more computing and storage capacity. Data centers – the facilities that house the computers and equipment that power the information needs of the modern economy – are in high demand. They underpin industries — like healthcare, the public sector, manufacturing, financial services, and retail — as they grow and adapt to the digital world. According to a recent study, Quantum Loophole’s planned data center campus in Frederick County will generate $41 million in County tax revenue per annum and another $197 million for the State of Maryland each year, supporting approximately 1,700 jobs upon project completion. While data centers have tremendous economic benefits, they have also prompted concerns about environmental, land use, and energy consumption impacts. On the podcast, we dive into these challenges and an upcoming legislative effort to "thread the needle" and strike a smart balance between promoting technology and protecting natural resources. 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on the MACo website. Useful Links Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Tech Council Study: Frederick Data Center Project Represents $41M in Annual County Tax Revenue, 1,700 Jobs Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor Moore “Disappointed” in PSC Data Center Decision, Working on Legislative Remedy Previous Conduit Street Coverage: #MACoCon Explores Bringing Data Centers to Maryland HB 579 / SB 474 -- Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Related Approvals - Definition of Generating Station (Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024)

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson walk through the recently introduced 2025 fiscal plan, starting the weeks-long deliberation on the State budget and the trimmings to balance it. They discuss the long-term cuts to transportation, offset by a temporary reprieve for this year, and the "re-basing" of support for community colleges. A tight budget, as the governor foretold when addressing county leaders at the summer conference, and the process of refinement starts anon. 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on the MACo website. Useful Links Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Governor's 2025 Budget – What It Means for Counties Tweet Thread on Proposed Transportation Cuts

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Brianna January talk through the 2024 legislative session opening, the crazy Maryland weather sideshow, and what to expect heading into “year two” of the four-year cycle. They discuss several issues for the session ahead – like tackling child care and pre-kindergarten education, challenges in the public sector workforce, and continuing pressure on school construction and capital facilities. 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on the MACo website. Useful Links MACo's 2024 Issue Previews

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Queen Anne's County Administrator Todd Mohn joins Michael Sanderson to discuss transportation financing and reflect on the proposed cutbacks to state projects and grant funding. Mr. Mohn is a member of the State's blue-ribbon Transportation Commission, reflecting his extensive experience as a county engineer and public works professional. They discuss the story of Highway User Revenues, their central importance to local roadway maintenance, and the problematic effects of losing funding in the years ahead. And... will Singapore edge out Guam as the podcast's farthest unofficial outpost? 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on the MACo website. Useful Links Previous Conduit Street Coverage: A County Q&A on the Proposed Transportation Cuts

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis. As temperatures drop, things are heating up before the 2024 legislative session. Topics include education spending transparency, career and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention, energy issues, housing, and fiscal uncertainties. Plus, drones, Twitter, and... dad jokes! 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website. Useful Links Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities 2023 MACo Winter Conference Drone Interrupts Baltimore Ravens Game

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Andrew Griffin, vice president of government affairs at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, joins Kevin Kinnally to discuss the intersection of business and government and discuss major issues on tap for the 2024 legislative session. Topics include tax policy, transportation, housing, regulations, data privacy, paid family leave, and more! The Maryland Chamber of Commerce represents a coalition of more than 6,800 businesses. It advocates for pro-business policies that drive economic growth and benefit people, businesses, and communities. 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website. Useful Links Maryland Chamber of Commerce Follow the Maryland Chamber of Commerce on Twitter Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Operation Green Light: Illuminating the Path to Veterans' Well-Being in MD

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January and Dominic Butchko join Kevin Kinnally to walk through MACo's Legislative Initiatives for the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session. In the 2024 General Assembly Session, MACo will prioritize fiscal transparency, modernizing local revenue structures, new incentives to bolster firefighter and EMS recruitment and retention, and collaborative solutions for addressing Maryland's affordable and workforce housing shortage. 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. Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website. Useful Links Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Operation Green Light: Illuminating the Path to Veterans' Well-Being in MD MACo Winter Conference

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson welcomes Kevin Leonard from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. They discuss state politics, tricky budgeting, and the NC investments into broadband and water infrastructure. 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. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the driving factors behind Maryland's current fiscal picture, economic trends, and what it could mean for the next legislative session and beyond. As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Board of Revenue Estimates adopted a revised estimate for fiscal 2024 – a minor write-down of $14.1 million – and the first official estimate for fiscal 2025. And while the State closed its books on fiscal 2023 with an unassigned general fund balance of $555 million, the Department of Legislative Services warns of looming structural deficits over the next four years, a stark change from last January, when DLS projected billions in structural surpluses between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2028. 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. Previous Conduit Street Coverage State Revenue Forecast Largely Unchanged: Inflation, Looming Shutdown Elevate Risk Board of Revenue Estimates Approves Modest Adjustments to Current, Future Forecasts

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Calvert County Health Officer Dr. Larry Polsky joins Sarah Sample to discuss what local health departments are doing to prevent COVID-19 and other flu and flu-like infections this year. The 2023-2024 fall and winter seasons will be the first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that the country is not under a federal state of emergency. Despite the new context, the public will forever be in a post-COVID reality that requires care and vigilance to maintain progress. 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. Previous Conduit Street Coverage Winter's Coming: Preparedness and Policy for the Post-COVID Flu Season

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Walter Olson joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to reflect on the role of state and local governments in keeping residents safe during emergencies -- particularly when it comes to ensuring residents can cast a ballot during a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Olson provides expert analysis on how the courts, legislatures, and public opinion can influence emergency powers and looks ahead to new challenges for the 2024 election cycle. Walter Olson is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional Studies, a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C. Olson is known for his writing on law, public policy, and regulation. A resident of Frederick County, Olson served on the Frederick County Charter Review Commission and co-chaired Maryland's Citizen Redistricting Commission. 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 Conduit Street Podcast: Liberty in Trying Times Read Walter Olson's Work on the CATO Institute's Website Follow Walter Olson on Twitter

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample and Michael Sanderson discuss the pros and cons of the "user pays" principle -- which aims to promote fairness and economic efficiency by having those who benefit from particular government goods and services pay for them. 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.