Best Maryland Association of Counties Podcasts (2025)

1
Inside the Committee Room With Delegate Marc Korman 1:05:03

4d ago1:05:03

1:05:03

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Chair of the House Environment and Transportation Committee, Delegate Marc Korman, for a deep dive into the inner workings of legislative committees in the Maryland General Assembly — how they function, why they matter, and what changes when one …

1
Headline Check: Bond Ratings and That “Big, Beautiful Bill” 47:23

11d ago47:23

47:23

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson unpack Maryland's recent credit downgrade and what it signals for the state's fiscal future. From the mechanics of bond ratings and investor behavior to the broader implications of federal uncertainty, this episode tackles a complex issue with clarity and context. W…

1
Disaster Dollars in Danger — Federal Funding Fades, County Risks Rise 32:34

20d ago32:34

32:34

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Ben Yelin joins Kevin Kinnally to break down the seismic shifts in federal emergency management, including recent leadership changes at FEMA, the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and the ripple effects for local governments. As Maryland counties…

1
Ocean Pines ROC BUZZ Episode 40 - HOA BOD Candidates: Why Background Checks and Financial Disclosures Matter 8:38

25d ago8:38

8:38

Should HOA board candidates be held to the same scrutiny as business or government leaders? In this episode, we examine why background checks, financial disclosures and identifying conflicts of interest are critical especially when millions of dollars, community trust and your vote are at stake. In many communities, HOA boards manage multimillion-d…

1
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs in Maryland 31:14

25d ago31:14

31:14

In this episode, Karrington Anderson is joined by longtime public health advocate Vinny DeMarco to discuss prescription drug affordability and Maryland’s groundbreaking efforts to address it. They break down the "Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act," explore how it builds on earlier reforms, and talk about what’s next for t…

1
Reviewing the Remix of Maryland's Education Plan 55:41

1M ago55:41

55:41

In this week’s episode, MACo's Michael Sanderson and Sarah Sample talk through the winding road for education funding and policy through this year’s eventful session. The Blueprint got its first close examination, and a few changes, while the gears of a complex implementation continue to turn. Listen for the latest from your source for Maryland pol…

1
Ocean Pines ROC BUZZ Episode 39 - Worcester County Child Advocacy Center - Saving Children of Abuse 35:04

1M ago35:04

35:04

The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly, safe and neutral location in which local law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators may conduct and observe forensic interviews with children who are alleged victims of crimes. The CAC provides child and non-offending family members with support, crisis intervent…

1
Exploring Smarter Spending With NACo 35:50

1M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode of the Conduit Street podcast, we welcome Cathy Muse - a procurement ace who's helping the NACo EDGE program deliver cost saving options to county leaders. Through the Public Promise Procurement program, NACo has brought together public sector lead agencies to issue contracts with an eye toward being available to governments across …

1
Budget’s in the Books, Now What? 1:05:11

2M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the whole budget plan from the 2025 session. In a year with an unmatched amount of fiscal pressure and federal angst, State fiscal leaders assembled a complex budget plan to resolve a major shortfall in the one-year budget, and to make gains on the longer-term forecast. Counties will …

1
MACo's 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up 57:15

2M ago57:15

57:15

Join Sarah Sample and Dominic Butchko from the MACo Policy Team as they take listeners through MACo's major portfolio of issues from the just-wrapped 2025 legislative session. From energy to public safety, capital facilities, and education, they'll highlight MACo's big wins and key county concerns. Tune in now to catch all the excitement.…

1
The Budget Balance Beam, Covering Annapolis With Pamela Wood 36:02

3M ago36:02

36:02

The clock is ticking in Annapolis! With just a few weeks left in Maryland’s legislative session, all eyes are on the budget—how will lawmakers navigate looming shortfalls, tax debates, and rising costs? This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and special guest Pamela Wood of The Baltimore Banner break down the biggest fiscal batt…

1
Crossover Week and Maryland's Housing Crunch 46:39

3M ago46:39

46:39

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-m…

1
The Year of the Impossible County Budget 43:16

3M ago43:16

43:16

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…

1
Josh Kurtz on Politics, Journalism, and What’s Next After Maryland Matters 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

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 reporti…

1
The Pulse on Maryland’s Energy 57:16

4M ago57:16

57:16

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 com…

1
Notes From Nebraska & Maryland Parallels 43:07

4M ago43:07

43:07

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 adminis…

1
Education Priorities for Maryland's Future 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

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 fo…

1
Signals From the West With Commissioner Paul Edwards 37:50

4M ago37:50

37:50

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 opportun…

1
Breaking Down the Budget 40:25

5M ago40:25

40:25

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 c…

1
Panel: 2025 General Assembly Forecast at the 2024 Winter MACoCon 1:15:00

5M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

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 …

1
Aging Well in Maryland 57:33

5M ago57:33

57:33

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 Ag…

1
Blueprint for Success: Dr. Carey Wright’s Vision for Maryland Education 1:07:14

6M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

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, an…

1
Maryland’s Fiscal Crisis and County Implications 50:23

6M ago50:23

50:23

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 econom…

1
Maryland's Energy Future and the Effect on Local Govt 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

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 infrast…

1
Mystery and Mechanics of Modern Elections 9:53

7M ago9:53

9:53

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 b…

1
Ask Me Anything With Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally Pt 2 41:39

7M ago41:39

41:39

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 on…

1
Ask Me Anything With Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally Pt 1 42:08

7M ago42:08

42:08

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…

1
Creating Inclusive Spaces With Sparks@Play 40:28

7M ago40:28

40:28

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 Spark…

1
Shaping Maryland’s Future Through Public Service Leadership at the University of Baltimore 45:32

8M ago45:32

45:32

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…

1
AMA Teaser: Can You Stump the Conduit Street Podcast Hosts? 4:10

8M ago4:10

4:10

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 Mich…

1
Where Are We? Breaking Down the State's Fiscal Picture 47:05

8M ago47:05

47:05

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,…

1
Navigating Year Three of Maryland's Education Plan 57:45

9M ago57:45

57:45

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 …

1
Baltimore City Evolving and Thriving 42:27

9M ago42:27

42:27

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…

1
Polling, Politics, and Public Service - A Chat with Mileah Kromer 41:26

9M ago41:26

41:26

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 nu…

1
I Hate Politics Crossover: Where Do Taxes Come From? 39:03

10M ago39:03

39:03

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…

1
Legislative Progress and Challenges in Public Safety with Senator Will Smith 55:36

10M ago55:36

55:36

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, …

1
Exploring Tax Policy and Fairness 1:01:13

10M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

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 surpris…

1
Me, Myself, and AI: #MACoCon Keynoter Mo Hasan's Vision Forward 39:07

11M ago39:07

39:07

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 t…

1
Legends of County Governance: Stories from MACo's Early Years 1:03:23

11M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

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-r…

1
A Neighborly Chat With the Pennsylvania County Association 36:25

11M ago36:25

36:25

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 o…

1
Aerial Assistance: Exploring Drones as First Responders 42:59

12M ago42:59

42:59

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…

1
Much Ado About ADUs 33:31

12M ago33:31

33:31

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Amy Moredock joins Dominic Butchko to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—what they are, why they're a hot topic, and the counties' role in zoning. Amy Moredock is a professional planner with 20 years of land use experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She has been directly involved in local …

1
Navigating County Budgets: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions - Part II 57:12

12M ago57:12

57:12

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Ted Zaleski and Robbie Sandlass join Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss pressing budget and finance issues for the State of Maryland and county governments. Topics include the intricacies of bond ratings and how they affect financial health and borrowing capabilities, increasing pres…

1
Digging Into Maryland Elections 35:57

1y ago35:57

35:57

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis joins Kevin Kinnally to recap Maryland's primary election and look ahead to the general election in November. Plus, a discussion on election security and the impacts of new technology on the electoral process. Counties administer and…

1
Navigating County Budgets: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions 43:52

1y ago43:52

43:52

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally dive deep into the financial challenges facing Maryland counties. They discuss the phased implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and its effect on county budgets, highlighting the need for innovative revenue-raising options beyond property taxes. The …

1
Breaking Ground on MD's New Court-Ordered Treatment Law 42:52

1y ago42:52

42:52

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, we delve into Maryland's groundbreaking court-ordered mental health treatment program, making the state the 48th to establish such a program. Joining the podcast is Marie Grant, Assistant Secretary for Health Policy at the Maryland Department of Health, alongside host Sarah Sample, to discuss the implication…

1
Queen Anne's County's Boat Plastic Recycling Initiative 34:29

1y ago34:29

34:29

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Dominic Butchko and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym are joined by Elizabeth Malasky, Queen Anne’s County Public Information Manager, and Sara Shelley, Co-Founder and President of Plastic Free QAC. They discuss Queen Anne’s County’s innovative program addressing boat plastic shrink wrap recycling, aiming to reduc…

1
Maryland Economy & Policy with Comptroller Brooke Lierman 35:39

1y ago35:39

35:39

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman to discuss her role as a statewide fiscal and policy leader. They delve into the role of the Comptroller, Maryland's uniquely positioned Board of Public Works, and the Revenue Estimating process, as she shares some take…

1
Maryland League of Conservation Voters' Impact on Local Gov 46:01

1y ago46:01

46:01

Join Dom Butchko from the MACo Policy Team on a special Earth Week episode of the Conduit Street Podcast as he welcomes Kristen Harbeson and Rebecca Rehr from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV). They discuss LCV's mission, priorities, and their impact on local governments, highlighting areas that overlap with county missions. The conv…

1
Maryland Pulse Check with Dr. Mileah Kromer 49:42

1y ago49:42

49:42

In the latest Conduit Street podcast episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome back a popular guest, Dr. Mileah Kromer of Goucher Poll fame. Dr. Kromer talks through the findings and "vibes" from her recent polls, both statewide and in Baltimore. What issues are on the minds of Maryland voters as they consider elections ahead? What do t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Maryland Association Of Counties Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen