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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Sarah Sample answer the most pressing questions about the rollout of adult-use cannabis in Maryland and walk through local public safety and public health initiatives to educate and keep residents safe.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, the purchase and possession of adult-use cannabis become legal in Maryland this Saturday, July 1. Listen in for what to expect as counties prepare to navigate the burgeoning industry.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

County Public Safety Officials Prepare for Recreational Cannabis Launch This Saturday

Adult-Use Cannabis: New Guidance for MD Counties

MD Comptroller Issues Cannabis Tax Guidance

2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Cannabis

MACo Summer Conference

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko explain why tumult in the commercial real estate market has major implications not just for building owners and banks but also for local governments that rely on property tax revenue and the economic vibrancy that office workers generate.

Post-pandemic, kids are back in school, retirees are back on cruise ships, and brick-and-mortar stores are doing better than expected. But offices are struggling more than most casual observers realize, and the consequences are far-reaching. Adaptive reuse, incentivizing redevelopment, and exploring alternative uses like residential conversions or mixed-use developments are intriguing policy options as communities rethink commercial corridors.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Useful Links

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Commercial Real Estate: Apocalypse or Opportunity?

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Supports Local Property Tax Flexibility

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including new leadership at the State Board of Elections, growing pressures on county budgets, significant interim workgroups getting underway, and a look ahead to the annual MACo Summer Conference.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Useful Links

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: State Board Names Jared DeMarinis Next Elections Administrator

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: County Budgets

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Counties Urge General Assembly to Take First Steps to Address Firefighter Shortage

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo, County HR Leaders Participate in Paid Leave Stakeholder Meetings

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Soliciting Proposals for 2024 Legislative Initiatives

2023 MACo Summer Conference: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Charles County Detention Center Director Brandon Foster joins Sarah Sample and Kevin Kinnally to discuss the progress and ongoing challenges to serve the growing needs of inmates in county jails, tackling persistent issues with recruitment and retention, and innovations to foster meaningful rehabilitation and successful reentry.

Each county operates a local jail with inmates awaiting trial and those sentenced to 18 months or less. Despite a persistent lag in State funding, county jails provide education, health/mental health care, substance use disorder counseling, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, anger management, housing, employment, transition counseling, and a host of other services.

Director Foster is a 26-year veteran of the CCDC. He began his career in 1997 as a line staff correctional officer. Shortly after, he became a Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy staff instructor.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and supervised recruits in training, and he later served as a sector supervisor in the Custody and Security Section. In 2006, he was promoted to Lieutenant, overseeing a team of officers assigned to the Custody and Security Section. In 2014, Foster was named deputy director of the CCDC and later was named acting director until he was appointed director in 2016.

Before joining the CCDC, Director Foster served in the United States Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant; he was on active duty from 1990 to 1995 and in the Reserves from 2003 until 2007.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Useful Links

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Undoing Institutionalized Bias in Jails is Worthy and Complicated

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: 2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Public Safety and Corrections

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson hosts Maryland Municipal League CEO Theresa Kuhns to discuss the two organizations' collaboration on local government issues and advocacy and to dive into the many policy considerations (local government issues and otherwise) around implementing adult-use cannabis in Maryland.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Information about the Maryland Municipal League:

About the Maryland Municipal League

MML 2023 Summer Conference Information

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

MACo to House: Watch Revenues, Zoning on Cannabis Reform

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a closer look at Governor Moore's budget and spending plan, with an eye on things that affect county governments and the services we deliver locally.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

DLS: New Tax Data Reveals Disparity Grant Program Underfunded by $54M

Governor's 2024 Budget – What It Means for Counties

Follow MACo's advocacy efforts during the 2023 legislative session on MACo's Legislative Tracking Database

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a first look at Governor Moore's fiscal 2024 budget, the General Assembly's newly minted budget authority, and other odds and ends from around town.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

Governor’s 2024 Budget – What It Means for Counties

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2023 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database

Watching the 90 Day Session – Deadlines and Timetables

General Assembly to Allow In-Person AND Virtual Testimony for 2023 Sessio

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the kickoff of the 2023 legislative session -- which features lots of new faces, new hybrid testimony protocols, new budgetary authority for the General Assembly, and more!

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

Watching the 90 Day Session – Deadlines and Timetables

General Assembly to Allow In-Person AND Virtual Testimony for 2023 Session

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko joins Kevin Kinnally and  Michael Sanderson to preview the 2023 legislative session. As legislators prepare to descend on Annapolis, environmental issues, housing, a changing climate, and addressing volunteer firefighter shortages are all hot topics.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

Counties, Stakeholders Talk Affordable Housing at MACo Symposium

MD Climate Change 2022 Report: Mixed Bag for Counties

4 Reminders for Winter #MACoCon

Conduit Street proudly presents an installment from the No Pix After Dark Podcast. In this episode,  Kevin Kinnnally joins NoPix host Aaron Dante for a conversation on state/local policy and politics, MACo's advocacy and member services, effectuating change, and more!

Voted" Best in Baltimore" by The Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Magazine readers, No Pix After Dark seeks to build a community of human experience, storytelling, and conversation.

Useful Links

No Pix After Dark Podcast

No Pix After Dark on Twitter

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample joins Kevin Kinnally and  Michael Sanderson to preview the 2023 legislative session. As legislators prepare to descend on Annapolis, public health, public safety, and human services are all hot topics.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

MACo Announces 2023 Legislative Initiatives

Maryland Braces for Flu Season with Trifecta of Respiratory Viruses

From the Ground Up: Implementing Police Accountability at #MACoCon

4 Reminders for Winter #MACoCon

It’s September in Plano! Hot air balloons fill the air and cooler days make us want to get out and enjoy our beautiful parks. Renee Jordan, Park Planning Manager, joins Steve and Shannah to share how Plano meets our residents’ recreation needs, plus gives details about some very exciting upcoming park projects.

This month's story links: 

WHAT’S NEW: September 

Collin County Peanut Butter Drive  

Make an individual online Peanut Butter Drive donation  

Form a Peanut Butter Drive team 

Join your company or organization's Virtual Peanut Butter Drive  

View the FY 2022-23 Budget and Community Investment Program 

Sign your youth group up to lead pledges at City Council meetings 

BEHIND THE SCENES: Renee Jordan, Park Planning Manager 

Plano park plans and projects 

Plano parks master plan 

THOSE OTHER THINGS: Things are really looking up!  

Plano Balloon Festival 

Volunteer for the September Love Where You Live Service Day 

Counties can’t rely on yesterday’s approaches to solve tomorrow’s problems. The core mission of local government is to serve residents, ensuring the safety and well-being of all people. Innovation is necessary to accomplish this today. With advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, counties can put data to work, improving outcomes for residents.

At the MACo Summer Conference Podcast Spotlight session, SAS Global Government Strategic Advisor Jennifer Robinson joined Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson for a live recording of the Conduit Street Podcast. Learn how SAS supports counties in achieving better customer service, increasing constituent engagement, enhancing public safety and community trust, fostering economic growth, and more.

Thanks to SAS for sponsoring this session!

• Learn more about SAS
• Follow SAS on Twitter
• Follow Jennifer Robinson on Twitter

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:

• Full Program
• #MACoCon Twitter Coverage
• Conduit Street Blog Coverage

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo Communications Coordinator Victoria Maas joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to preview the 2022 MACo Summer Conference, August 17-20 in Ocean City. MACo and county leaders will explore resources available for recovering and struggling businesses, creative ways to achieve common goals, and partnerships to take our communities from “surviving” to “thriving.”

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Taking the call from anywhere: Testing remote 911 capabilities

The MACo Summer Conference is August 17-20, 2022, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s conference theme is “Taking Care of Business.”

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:

• Attendee Registration Pricing
• Attendee Online Registration
• Exhibitor Details & Pricing
• Exhibitor Registration
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Tech Expo Details
• Golf Tournament Details
• Discounted Hotel Room Rates
• Conduit Street Blog Coverage
• #MACoCon on Twitter
• Questions? Contact Virginia White

On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, award-winning journalist Pamela Wood joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss Maryland policy and politics, including the 2022 election, life on the state and local government beat, the rise of digital journalism, gymnastics, and more.

Pamela Wood covers Maryland politics and government for The Baltimore Banner. She previously reported for The Baltimore Sun, The Capital, and other Maryland newspapers on topics as varied as politics, local government, the environment, healthcare, and breaking news.

The Conduit Street Podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. Episodes are also available on MACo's Conduit Street blog.

Listen to previous episodes of the Conduit Street Podcast on our website.

Follow Pamela Wood on Twitter.

Read Pamela Wood's latest reporting online at The Baltimore Banner.

July brings fireworks (but from the experts only!) and lots of great activities for the whole family. Unless you’ve been hiding in the air conditioning, you’ve probably noticed a lot of construction going on around the city. We asked CIP Engineering Manager Clay Lipscomb to join the show to tell us what CIP stands for and explain how Plano’s reinvesting in our community.

WHAT’S NEW: July 

All American Fourth 

City Holiday closures 

Plano Parks and Recreation Gold Medal finalist 

Plano Park system best in Texas 

Two more Plano trails named National Recreational Trails 

Plano Community Band Summer Series 

Thinking Money for Kids 

2022 HOA Legal Clinic 

First Time Homebuyer Education Class 

BEHIND THE SCENES: CIP with Clay Lipscomb, CIP Engineering Manager 

Community Investment 

More details about CIP and the City’s budget 

Community Investment Program Status Report 

Community Investment Program map 

THOSE OTHER THINGS: Budget coming soon and Back-to-School is coming  

City Manager Recommended Budget for FY 2022-23 

PISD Back-to-School Enrollment Extravaganza 

Your bond dollars are at work in Plano! Steve and Shannah get you up to date on what’s underway. Melissa Shadowens joins the podcast to talk about the Harrington Library expansion and renovation project. Plus we have holiday happenings and important information about tree removal.

This month's story links:

WHAT’S NEW: December

Dickens in Downtown

Holiday Celebration with the Plano Community Band

Christmas Holiday Art Camp

Get Creative: Ornament Extravaganza

Plano Public Library monthly events

Special Paid Collections

Council Chamber renovation project

Plano Recreation Memberships

Oak Point Recreation Center outdoor pool project

Davis Library project

BEHIND THE SCENES: Harrington Library with Melissa Shadowens

Harrington Library project

THOSE OTHER THINGS: Join Team Plano and Changes to Council Meeting Schedule

Jobs at the City of Plano

Plano City Council meetings