With crossover week in full swing, housing policy takes center stage in Annapolis. This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko break down Maryland’s housing challenges and the debate surrounding the Housing for Jobs Act — a proposal with far-reaching implications for zoning, infrastructure, and local decision-making.

As Maryland navigates affordable housing shortages, infrastructure demands, and legal questions, this bill raises significant concerns about growth, school capacity, and the role of local governments in shaping development.

Tune in for a timely discussion on how this legislation could impact communities across the state, what’s at stake for county governments, and why flexibility remains critical to addressing the housing crisis.

More on what MACo had to say

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As Maryland counties build their budgets, uncertainty from both Washington and Annapolis creates major challenges. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Sarah Sample break down the key fiscal debates shaping the future of local government funding. 

Hold tight as they dive into the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act ("Big" BRFA) hearings, where state leaders are debating cost shifts that could push hundreds of millions in new expenses onto county governments. Sanderson likens the action to a parlor trick of sorts - to make the costs vanish from one budget and then appear on another. 

A conversation about budgets isn't complete without looking at how local school systems are facing massive funding requests under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Now, counties are being asked to contribute more than ever - even as they brace for potential losses in state aid and revenue streams. 

Get the latest insights and analysis in this must-listen episode of the Conduit Street podcast.

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Veteran Maryland political journalist Josh Kurtz, founder of Maryland Matters, joins Conduit Street Podcast host Michael Sanderson to "talk shop.” Kurtz has a decades-long career covering state politics and policy and brings much to the table as they talk about the evolution of Maryland’s media landscape, the decline of in-depth State House reporting, and the challenges of sustaining independent political journalism.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the intersection of politics, policy, and the press!

Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Marathon: The Pursuit of the Presidency 1972-1976 by Jules Witcover
Running Mates by John Feinstein
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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Maryland's energy future is at a crossroads. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dominic Butchko break down the latest energy legislation making waves in Annapolis. From rate hikes and grid reliability to renewable energy expansion and land use conflicts, they explore what’s driving the debate and how counties are navigating complex policy decisions.

Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the balancing act between clean energy goals, local control, and funding essential services.

And check out Michael Sanderson's Deep Dive on the Conduit Street blog:
Legislative Leadership Launches Major Energy “Package” on Rates, Transmission, and Siting

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo's Director, Michael Sanderson, welcomes his counterpart from the Nebraska Association of Counties, Jon Cannon. They discuss policy issues facing the "cornhusker state," which (as is so often true) have some resonance here in Maryland. Also, digging into Mr. Cannon's background in tax and revenue administration, talk through the practical implementation of property tax offsets, fairness measures, and the overall effect of property taxes on tax policy. With county governments bracing for the fallout from the State budget crisis, we've got a few insights on the wisdom (or lack thereof) in putting further pressure on local property taxes.

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Michael Sanderson and Sarah Sample are joined by Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland. With numerous bills aimed at education policy and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future this legislative session, Mary Pat shares how local superintendents focus on policies prioritizing student outcomes and setting clear expectations for education agencies. Tune in for insights into these priorities and other key issues on their agenda in this week’s episode. 

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson head to the MACo office for a chat with Commissioner Paul Edwards of Garrett County, geographically Maryland’s westernmost and second-largest county. As the westernmost member of MACo, Commissioner Edwards shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the rural Appalachian county.

In this episode, they delve into Garrett County's legacy, explore unique policy issues, and discuss the value of counties collaborating through MACo. Commissioner Edwards also reflects on his journey into MACo leadership and how the organization benefits all Maryland counties.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion about leadership, community, and the power of working together for a stronger Maryland.

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The Governor's FY26 budget has arrived, bringing with it a $3 billion gap, $2 billion in proposed cuts, and a host of decisions that directly affect Maryland’s counties. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson dive into the big-picture fiscal plan, unpacking its implications for local governments. From income tax changes and pension cost shifts to funding reductions and the elimination of key programs like Enterprise Zones, this week’s Conduit Street Podcast delivers an insider’s perspective on what the budget means for counties—and what challenges lie ahead.

Tune in for expert analysis, upcoming legislative priorities, and the fiscal nuances shaping Maryland's policy landscape.

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What’s ahead for Maryland in the 2025 legislative session? In this special episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we’re bringing you a recording of a must-hear panel from the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. Legislative leaders and the Administration share their insights on Maryland’s fiscal outlook, upcoming policy changes, and key issues to watch as the session approaches.

Moderated by 2025 MACo President and Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson, the panel features:

• The Honorable David Moon (Maryland House of Delegates)
• The Honorable Stephen Hershey (Maryland State Senate)
• The Honorable Jesse Pippy (Maryland House of Delegates)
• The Honorable Craig Zucker (Maryland State Senate)
• Eric Luedtke (Chief Legislative Officer, Office of the Governor)

Tune in for their expert analysis and perspectives on what’s next for Maryland’s counties and communities in the legislative year ahead!

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In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample delves into the critical and evolving work of Maryland's aging services community. She is joined by two seasoned leaders: Secretary Carmel Roques of the Maryland Department of Aging and Heang Tan, who is transitioning from Director of Baltimore City's Area Agency on Aging to Baltimore County's Director of Aging. Together, they explore how state and local governments, including the Maryland Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging in all 23 counties and Baltimore City, are collaborating to address the needs of Maryland's aging population.

From innovative programs to direct services and advocacy efforts, the discussion covers the strategies and partnerships ensuring Marylanders can thrive at every stage of life. Tune in and learn about the who, what, when, where, and how of services for aging populations in Maryland and their families.

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