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 battles, the forecast for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and what it's like covering the Annapolis scene as a reporter. Don’t miss this vault int...
Mar 21, 2025
36 min
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...
Mar 13, 2025
46 min
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. Sander...
Feb 27, 2025
43 min
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, ...
Feb 21, 2025
43 min
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 ser...
Feb 14, 2025
57 min
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 poli...
Feb 7, 2025
43 min
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...
Jan 31, 2025
45 min
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 ...
Jan 24, 2025
37 min
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’...
Jan 17, 2025
40 min
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 ...
Jan 10, 2025
1 hr 15 min
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