This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down where Maryland’s budget and “Big BRFA” stand as the General Assembly enters its final weeks. As usual, their conversation covers a wide range of issues. From the teacher pension cost shift and assisted outpatient treatment proposal to disparity grant funding, the 911 Trust Fund, emergency management readiness, and the latest wrinkle tied to law enforcement funding – our hosts unpack what stayed in, what came out, and ultimately what this all means for local governments. Plus, find out why next year’s budget picture might be even tougher…

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MACo's Legislative Tracking Database

As Maryland’s legislative session approaches crossover, MACo’s policy team is deep in the work of shaping legislation that affects counties across the state.

In this episode of the Conduit Street podcast, Michael Sanderson is joined by Karrington Anderson and Charlotte Fleckenstein (making her podcast debut), as they walk through what advocacy looks like in real time. From testifying on complex labor policy to weighing in on unexpected issues like statewide “dogs at large” laws, there's never a dull moment.

The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how MACo approaches legislation. Whether the issue is workforce policy, public safety, or economic development, a consistent theme comes to the fore - one size does not fit all when it comes to Maryland’s counties.

Listeners will also hear how MACo provides critical context to state policymakers, why local governments face unique fiscal constraints, and what to watch as the General Assembly heads into the final stretch of the legislative session.

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MACo's Legislative Tracking Database

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we check in on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session as lawmakers approach the critical crossover deadline.

MACo’s Michael Sanderson, Dominic Butchko, and Kevin Kinnally break down where things stand in Annapolis, including the state budget outlook, mounting fiscal pressure on legislation, and a surge of housing bills aimed at addressing affordability across Maryland.

The conversation also explores how counties are working with legislators to refine housing proposals, why infrastructure such as schools and water systems remains central to development discussions, and how MACo continues to weigh in on hundreds of bills affecting county government.

With crossover approaching, the team shares what to watch in the coming weeks and where major issues may be headed next.

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