Conduit Street Podcast

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

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko sits down with Jason Stanek of PJM Interconnection for a deep dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape. From the state’s growing dependence on imported electricity to the backlog of clean energy projects waiting to connect to the grid, Jason breaks down the challenges and opportunities shaping Maryland’s energy future. The conversation explores how PJM keeps the lights on across 13 states and D.C., and what counties need to know about transmission planning and siting. Tune in to learn how local governments fit into this complex puzzle and what reforms are on the horizon to speed up renewable energy deployment and strengthen the grid. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson unpack Maryland’s fiscal outlook. They break down the State’s year-end budget results, the new revenue forecast, and looming structural deficits. They also dig into the crunch in transportation funding — with local road dollars set to plunge off a fiscal cliff — the threat of a federal shutdown, and the squeeze these pressures put on county budgets and the services residents rely on. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

From literacy programs to telehealth pods, Maryland’s libraries are evolving far beyond bookshelves. Join this week's Conduit Street host, Sarah Sample, as she sits down with Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller to explore how local libraries serve as community hubs, connect residents to vital resources, and adapt to funding challenges at the state and federal levels. Hear how Maryland libraries are strengthening communities, expanding access, and shaping the future of education and equity statewide. Show Notes: The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, host Michael Sanderson sits down with Zachary Markovitz, Vice President & Local Practice Lead at Results for America, to explore how data and evidence can transform government decision-making. From Maryland’s efforts in using evidence-based budgeting and grantmaking to success stories from across the country, the conversation highlights how local leaders can maximize every public dollar for better community outcomes. Tune in for a real look at how results-based practices help counties move beyond box-checking to real accountability, smarter investments, and stronger resident trust. Learn More: Homepage - Results for America Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Policy Associate Sarah Sample sit down with Anne Arundel Deputy County Attorney Hamilton Tyler to unpack a local case now headed to the Maryland Supreme Court on September 9. At the center of the case: whether counties can bring public nuisance claims tied to the staggering costs of the opioid crisis. How did this case start? What does it mean for local governments footing the bill for abatement and recovery? And why is the state’s highest court taking it up now? Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the legal journey, what’s at stake for counties, and how the outcome could shape the way governments confront public health crises in the future. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across Maryland, and Baltimore City remains at the forefront of both the crisis and the response. In this episode, Karrington Anderson from the MACo policy team sits down with Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter to discuss the city’s evolving strategies for confronting opioid misuse, saving lives, and investing in long-term recovery. Councilwoman Porter shares how her lived experience and legislative leadership shape her work, the city’s preliminary Overdose Response Strategic Plan, and the critical role of equity in harm reduction. From settlement funds and access to treatment to housing, workforce support, and stigma reduction, this conversation explores how Baltimore is working to turn immediate responses into lasting change—while providing lessons for counties and communities statewide. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast we bring you a special treat from the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, and it might involve MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson singing karaoke! The highlight of this episode, however, features a sit-down with Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Michael Sanderson, where they tackle some of the most pressing fiscal issues facing the state and its counties. From revenue projections and federal uncertainty to long-term budget obligations, Comptroller Lierman shared candid insights into Maryland’s fiscal outlook and what it means for local governments. The conversation covered structural budget gaps, the effect of demographic and economic shifts, housing affordability, and her office’s work to strengthen compliance in areas like short-term rentals. Tune in for a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion that underscores the importance of strong State-county partnerships in navigating today’s fiscal challenges—and planning for a more sustainable future. Special Shoutout to the Band! The Klassix Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of housing policy with Professors Christopher Serkin and Ganesh Sitaraman from Vanderbilt University. While zoning reform dominates the national conversation, our guests argue that the housing crisis demands a broader, more nuanced approach. From industrial policy and public housing options to creative tax incentives and market-shaping regulations, we explore innovative solutions tailored to local conditions. Plus, a fascinating case study on Nashville—a "YIMBY paradise" with unexpected outcomes—challenges conventional wisdom. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that goes beyond the usual talking points! Show Notes: 28 Post-Neoliberal Housing Policy Ideas Post-Neoliberal Housing Policy Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this timely episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Karrington Anderson sit down with Gene Ransom, Executive Director of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society, to break down how federal legislation and Medicaid changes could affect health care delivery across Maryland. From work requirements and uncompensated care to rural hospital challenges and the state’s unique Medicaid waiver, Gene shares insights that every county leader should know. Tune in to understand how these federal shifts could affect local services, budgets, and residents as our hosts break down what counties should be watching next. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko is joined by Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Director Paul G. Pinsky and Program Manager Lacey Allor for a wide-ranging conversation about Maryland’s energy future. Together, they explore how the state is utilizing federal funds to expand access to clean energy, what the transition to electrification entails for communities and counties, and how MEA is assisting local governments in adapting to meet ambitious climate goals. Director Pinsky also shares insight on workforce development, funding opportunities for counties, and why communication between state and local partners is essential for a just and effective energy transition. Whether you're a county leader, energy advocate, or just curious about where Maryland is headed next — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

The Conduit Street Podcast shifts its focus to county best practices. Here, hosts Michael Sanderson and Karrington Anderson welcome Beverly Churchill from Queen Anne’s County and Stuart Sutley from Bolton to talk about a groundbreaking advance in employee health care. Queen Anne’s County, and others across Maryland, are using dedicated health centers to provide better care, improved customer experience, and reduced costs as they support their essential public employees. Learn the basics about this innovative approach in a timely and important conversation.

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Karrington Anderson and Sarah Sample from the MACo Policy team are joined by Special Secretary Emily Keller of the Maryland Office of Overdose Response. They discuss opioid remediation efforts and outcomes at the state and local level as well as recent legislative initiatives from the General Assembly session for combating the opioid crisis. Show Notes: https://stopoverdose.maryland.gov/orf/ Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we team up once again with our counterparts at the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) for Part 2 of our policy exchange. Dominic Butchko of MACo and Joe Lerch of VACo dive into the complex world of housing legislation, comparing how Maryland and Virginia address affordable housing, zoning reform, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They unpack Maryland’s new “unreasonable standard” law, debate the state’s role in local land use decisions, and explore how short-term rentals (and even YouTube “Airbnb Millionaire” trends) are affecting the long-term housing market. From zoning flexibility to housing pipeline lawsuits, this episode takes a sharp and insightful look at how neighboring states tackle shared challenges in land use and housing policy. Show Notes: Maryland’s Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (2024) Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

In this special crossover episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) teams up with Joe Lerch of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) to explore how Maryland and Virginia are tackling the complex challenges of clean energy policy at the local level. Together, they unpack the parallels and contrasts between Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act and Virginia’s Clean Economy Act, digging into why Maryland is lagging in solar deployment despite ambitious targets, and how transmission grid bottlenecks across the PJM network are slowing down renewable energy progress on both sides of the Potomac. If you care about infrastructure, local control, and the path to clean energy, this episode is for you! More Information: Maryland’s Pivotal 2025 Actions on Solar Energy PolicyUVA Weldon Cooper - Solar DatabasePJM Regional Transmission Organization (RTO)Maryland Piedmont Reliability ProjectCommonwealth Fusion Systems - Chesterfield County ProjectFollow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, host Michael Sanderson is joined by Peter Claggett, a research geographer with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Chesapeake Bay Program, to discuss how cutting-edge land use data is shaping Maryland’s environmental and planning future. From award-winning modeling work to newly released hyper-resolution data, Claggett explains how decades of research are helping counties better understand impervious surfaces, tree canopy changes, and stormwater dynamics. Learn how these insights can guide smarter local development, improve stormwater planning, and support sustainability goals statewide. Whether you're in planning, public works, or simply curious about how science informs county policy, this episode delivers both big-picture thinking and practical applications. Tree Canopy Factsheets Follow us on Socials! MACo on Twitter MACo on Facebook