Conduit Street Podcast

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation with Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, recorded live at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. Dr. Wright joined MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a “fireside” chat to discuss education reform, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and her vision for the State Department of Education heading into the 2025 legislative session. Hear how Dr. Wright draws on her experience closing achievement gaps in Mississippi and empowering her team to tackle challenges with focus and perseverance. Learn about her plans to drive meaningful change in Maryland’s education system and ensure the success of the Blueprint. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the future of education in Maryland! Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

Maryland faces a growing fiscal crisis, with projections of a nearly $6 billion structural deficit by 2030. This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, our hosts are back to their old tricks, digging into the latest (bad) news about the State's fiscal situation and looking at the road ahead. Where did this shortfall come from - is it the quirky economy, shaky forecasts, or unplanned expenses? (Think: two truths and a lie) And while they lay out the numbers facing the State both in the short term and down the road, they look at the tools that are on the table for decision-makers in the months ahead. Plus, where and how could all this become a county government problem? Listen to the big budgetary breakdown this week! Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

As Maryland faces rising energy demand, ambitious climate goals, and shifting federal mandates, what does the future of energy look like? On this week’s episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dominic Butchko explore Maryland’s evolving energy landscape, focusing on critical challenges like transmission infrastructure, local authority over large energy projects, and the role of renewables and nuclear energy in meeting statewide targets. Tune in to hear about the tensions between state priorities and local concerns, and get a preview of the energy-focused sessions at the upcoming MACo Winter Conference! Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym joins Kevin Kinnally to break down the Electoral College and its impact on American democracy. They explore how this centuries-old system came to be, why it continues to spark debate, and what potential reforms could mean for future elections. Plus, a dive into the balance between state sovereignty and national interests and the mystery surrounding the framers’ secretive deliberations. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this special two-part Ask Me Anything series of the Conduit Street Podcast, our host, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, dives into part two of listener-submitted questions. Tune in as Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally tackle a new set of questions that showcase MACo's unique legislative approach of pragmatism and creativity. This candid discussion is one you won't want to miss as it shines a light on the challenges and the unique local quirks that make Maryland governance one of a kind. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this special two-part Ask Me Anything series of the Conduit Street Podcast, our host, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, dives into listener-submitted questions that cover everything from under-the-radar Maryland policies to personal takes on Maryland-themed Monopoly. Listen in as Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally tackle thought-provoking questions about MACo’s role in local governance, the rising influence of technology and AI, challenges in the 2025 legislative session, and dream guests for the podcast. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Karrington Anderson, in her podcast debut, dive into the world of inclusive playgrounds and the vital role they play in fostering diversity, connection, and community. Jill Moore, an expert in inclusive play spaces, shares how thoughtful design and collaboration with teams like Sparks@Play can create environments where all children—regardless of ability—can thrive, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. From understanding community needs to engaging local resources, they explore how counties can stay ahead of the curve in accessibility. Tune in to hear inspiring success stories, practical tips, and how inclusivity benefits everyone. More About Our Guest and Inclusive Play Celebrating Diversity: Jill Moore Of Landscape Structures On How To Build Inclusive Communities How Building More Inclusive Playgrounds Means More Playtime For Every Child Next-Level Playground Design Fair Play: How playgrounds are becoming more inclusive for kids with vision and hearing disabilities Inclusive playgrounds let everyone in on the fun Connect with Sparks@Play

Join hosts Kevin Kinnally and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym on this special episode of the Conduit Street Podcast as they sit down with Roger Hartley, Dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, and Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy. Discover how these institutions are preparing Maryland's future public service leaders, fostering partnerships, and supporting government innovation through key programs like the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program. Don't miss this insightful conversation about leadership, career pipelines, and the role of research in shaping Maryland’s public policy. Important Links: Schaefer Center for Public Policy College of Public Affairs | University of Baltimore (ubalt.edu)

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we're doing something a little different! Instead of our usual episode, we’re gearing up for our first-ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, where YOU get to ask the questions! Want to know what’s happening behind the scenes in county politics? Are you curious about MACo, Kevin’s favorite policy topic, or Michael’s insider perspective? Maybe you even have a tricky question to stump the hosts! Submit your questions by October 16 using the link below, and we’ll tackle them in next week’s special AMA episode. Don’t miss this chance to hear Kevin and Michael answer it all—serious, fun, or challenging. Tune in next week, and in the meantime, hit that subscribe button and follow us on social media! Submit your questions: AMA! Stay Connected – Follow Us on Facebook! Get the Latest News – Follow Us on Twitter!

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson navigate the fiscal landscape facing Maryland and her counties. They dig into the fiscal year closeout, and the latest revenue forecast, and try to separate the signal from the noise. They talk through the underlying pieces to separate out from the headline numbers, and try to find the bottom line in the State's fiscal situation. They also foreshadow the coming work of the Capital Debt Affordability Committee and the Spending Affordability Committee in setting borrowing limits and spending growth. Despite these fiscal challenges, our hosts emphasize the resilience of local governments and the critical advocacy work done by MACo. Plus, the cat’s out of the bag; the Conduit Street Podcast will soon be doing an "Ask Me Anything" special, where YOU, our listeners, can submit questions on policy, politics, and dad jokes for Michael and Kevin to answer on the air! Click the link to submit your question and tune in this week for an engaging discussion on Maryland public budgeting and what lies ahead.

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