Ocean City welcomes an influx of around 3,000 visitors this week for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference, a major event for the state’s politicians that kicked off on Wednesday.
The four-day conference is divided into the official sessions held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, focusing on current issues local government leaders face and various receptions and political fundraisers around Ocean City. The theme is “Where the Rubber Meets the Road,” highlighting local governments’ challenges, including decreased federal aid post-pandemic and potential federal funds for infrastructure and climate change projects.
Topics covered include public safety, technology, housing, energy, environment, healthcare, and more. The outcomes often guide future legislative decisions at the state and local levels.
This year’s conference marks the first for Gov. Wes Moore’s seven-month-old administration. Notably, Gov. Moore, several state legislators, House Speaker Adrienne Jones, and U.S. senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen will attend and participate in various capacities. Valerie Sheares Ashby, the new president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is this year’s keynote speaker.
The event also serves as a platform for the public and private sectors to showcase their offerings to officials. Several corporations sponsor discussions, sometimes influencing industry narratives.
Besides the official proceedings, lobbying firms and associations plan other after-hour events. The conference provides a unique chance for informal networking, combining policy discussions with social interactions, reflecting the essence of government operations.
More information about the conference and the events can be found on the MACo website.
photo credit: MACo
