Best Maryland General Assembly Podcasts (2025)

1
Libraries Leading Maryland 51:37

Play Pause

5d ago51:37

51:37

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 th…

1
Turning Data Into Decisions: Results for America in Maryland 38:49

13d ago38:49

38:49

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, host Michael Sanderson sits down with Zachary Markovits, 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 c…

1
Maryland Supreme Court Weighs Public Nuisance Claims in Opioid Case 37:16

20d ago37:16

37:16

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…

1
Baltimore City's Opioid Response Strategy With Councilwoman Phylicia Porter 26:25

27d ago26:25

26:25

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, sa…

1
Live from Summer #MACoCon With Comptroller Brooke Lierman 57:24

1M ago57:24

57:24

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 pres…

1
Rethinking Housing Policy Beyond Zoning 1:05:12

2M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

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 publi…

1
Medicaid, Maryland, and the Future of Healthcare 30:15

2M ago30:15

30:15

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 ru…

1
Annapolis, Energy, and the Future: A County Conversation With MEA 45:58

2M ago45:58

45:58

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko is joined by Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Director Paul Pinsky and Program Manager Lacey Allor for a wide-ranging conversation about Annapolis, MEA's $64M county grant program (L-GEM), and Maryland’s energy future. Together, they explore an insider’s perspective on the inner wor…

1
Rethinking Employee Coverage with Dedicated Health Centers 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

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 cente…

1
Opioid Remediation in Focus: A Conversation with Secretary Keller 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

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 …

1
Zoned In: Housing Headaches and Hopes Across MD & VA 33:30

3M ago33:30

33:30

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, …

1
Wired for Change: VA & MD Talk Energy Futures 58:10

3M ago58:10

58:10

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…

1
Mapping Maryland's Growth With GIS 43:26

4M ago43:26

43:26

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-resolutio…

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs in Maryland 31:14

5M 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

5M 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
Exploring Smarter Spending With NACo 35:50

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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
Live from Sine Die MDGA 2025 Wrap Up 28:07

6M ago28:07

28:07

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly session ended on April 7. In this episode, Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy at LBS, recaps this year’s legislative session and our efforts in Annapolis. We thank the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland for their continued support, while also calling out the Democratic Party establishment for once again fail…

1
MDGA 2025 Session Updates 46:43

6M ago46:43

46:43

We're almost through the legislative session. In this episode, Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy at LBS, shares updates on our Legislative Agenda and highlights other key issues we're monitoring. We will also have special guest, Cathryn Jackson, speaking to some of the legislation that she is working on with CASA. Support the show "From the St…

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

6M 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

7M 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
Key Updates on MDGA 2025 Session 1:18:37

7M ago1:18:37

1:18:37

We're halfway through the legislative session. In this episode, Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy at LBS, shares updates on our Legislative Agenda and highlights other key issues we're monitoring. Support the show "From the Streets to the Statehouse" is a podcast owned, produced and sponsored by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS) - a grassr…

1
The Year of the Impossible County Budget 43:16

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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
Legislative Updates - February 11, 2025 1:09:42

8M ago1:09:42

1:09:42

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly is well underway. In this episode, Dayvon Love - Director of Public Policy for LBS will provide updates on state of youth justice legislation in Annapolis. Support the show "From the Streets to the Statehouse" is a podcast owned, produced and sponsored by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS) - a grassroots think …

1
Notes From Nebraska & Maryland Parallels 43:07

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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

1y 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…