Speaker urges attendance at MACo conference for training and county legislative input

A meeting speaker urged county officials to attend the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference for training and to help refine legislation that affects county governments.

Speaker 1, an unidentified speaker, said MACo works with bill authors to "fine tune legislation" so it does not unduly burden counties and offers a range of training courses for those new to government. The speaker said attendees can earn core-course certification from the University of Maryland by completing required classes.

The speaker described the conference as important for officials to learn how to manage and run government and to prepare for public service. The speaker also noted the conference includes social events such as a crab feast on Friday afternoon and offered a personal "shout out" to Mike Reed for years of fair and balanced attendance at sessions.

Why it matters: MACo conferences provide training and a channel for county input on state legislation; certification may support officials' professional development. The speaker encouraged participation but did not report any formal county endorsements or budgetary commitments tied to conference attendance.

Details from the meeting: the speaker said MACo engages with bill authors to seek corrections that limit negative impacts on counties and that the conference bundles courses aimed at new officials and others seeking certification through the University of Maryland. The speaker did not provide registration details or dates for the conference beyond the references made in the remarks.