Conduit Street Podcast

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AMA Teaser: Can You Stump the Conduit Street Podcast Hosts? Oct 11, 2024

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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 Michael’s insider perspective? Maybe you even have a tricky question to stump the hosts! Submit your questions by October 16 using the link below, and we’ll tackle them in next week’s special AMA episode.
Don’t miss this chance to hear Kevin and Michael answer it all—serious, fun, or challenging. Tune in next week, and in the meantime, hit that subscribe button and follow us on social media!
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Where Are We? Breaking Down the State's Fiscal Picture Oct 04, 2024

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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, and try to find the bottom line in the State's fiscal situation.
They also foreshadow the coming work of the Capital Debt Affordability Committee and the Spending Affordability Committee in setting borrowing limits and spending growth. Despite these fiscal challenges, our hosts emphasize the resilience of local governments and the critical advocacy work done by MACo.

Plus, the cat’s out of the bag; the Conduit Street Podcast will soon be doing an "Ask Me Anything" special, where YOU, our listeners, can submit questions on policy, politics, and dad jokes for Michael and Kevin to answer on the air! Click the link to submit your question and tune in this week for an engaging discussion on Maryland public budgeting and what lies ahead.

Navigating Year Three of Maryland's Education Plan Sep 20, 2024

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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 the next legislative session.

Be sure to check out the companion article to this Blueprint podcast on the Conduit Street blog. Look out for this conversation to continue at the upcoming 2024 MACo Winter Conference held December 11-13 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD.

Baltimore City Evolving and Thriving Sep 10, 2024

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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 on what makes Baltimore an exciting city to visit. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on how Baltimore City is evolving and thriving.
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City of Baltimore

Polling, Politics, and Public Service - A Chat with Mileah Kromer Sep 06, 2024

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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 nuances of polling, the importance of swing states in national elections, and why state-level polling in Maryland still matters. Mileah also shares her thoughts on the Maryland Senate race, Orioles baseball, and what’s next for UMBC’s political outreach. Tune in for insightful political analysis and some lighthearted banter.
Article: Kromer Announced As Director Of UMBC Institute Of Politics
LinkedIn: Mileah Kromer - Director, UMBC Institute of Politics
Twitter @MileahKromer

I Hate Politics Crossover: Where Do Taxes Come From? Aug 09, 2024

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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. We do because we must. Governments raise taxes in infinite ways to meet seemingly unending demands from the people. With many states and local governments headed toward a few years of fiscal imbalance, Sunil Dasgupta asks Michael Sanderson, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Counties, about where local and state taxes come from? Music for this episode comes from Alexandria, Virginia, alt-rock band, Jackie and The Treehorns.
Check out the I Hate Politics Podcast

Legislative Progress and Challenges in Public Safety with Senator Will Smith Aug 02, 2024

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample dives into discussions about major issues affecting public safety and health care for justice-involved populations. Joined by guest Senator Will Smith, they speak on the importance of mental health services and substance use disorder treatments for justice-involved populations, justice reforms, and collaborations between state and local governments. Together, they look back on legislative efforts in the 2024 session and share insights on what might come for 2025. Plus, don't miss his tips for staying energized during the session!

Exploring Tax Policy and Fairness Jul 25, 2024

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In this week's Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson welcome Professor Luke Spreen from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Professor Spreen digs into his areas of expertise - tax policy, fairness, and the sometimes unexpected outcomes from efforts to adjust and refine a revenue structure. You might be surprised by the number of immediate connections right back to the current debates in Annapolis on adequately funding the Blueprint and other programs. Listen in for a not-too-nerdy talk-through of issues that face State and county leaders in Maryland and elsewhere as they search for the fairest way to support needed public services.
Show Notes:
Renters' Tax Credits
Social Exchange Theory
Professor Luke Spreen

Me, Myself, and AI: #MACoCon Keynoter Mo Hasan's Vision Forward Jul 09, 2024

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In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson chats with Mo Hasan, who will deliver keynote comments at the upcoming MACo Summer Conference. Mo Hasan and his company, Intupower, are harnessing generative AI as a tool not just for tech-inclined people but for everyone - including local governments. On the podcast, he talks about thinking of AI as a tool for everyone and spells out its transformative potential. Your ability to meet the needs of your residents, effectively gauge service delivery, and save time and resources in planning and vision -- all among the pots of gold at the end of the AI rainbow. Listen in, and get yourself fired up for another can't-miss #MACoCon in August!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/themohasan/

https://www.intupower.com/themohasan

https://www.intupower.com/

https://www.mdcounties.org/1414/Summer-2024

Legends of County Governance: Stories from MACo's Early Years Jul 03, 2024

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On this week's podcast, MACo's Executive Director, Michael Sanderson, sits down with his predecessor, longtime Director David Bliden. They talk through issues facing counties back in the 80s and 90s, and note how many of them continue to resonate today. David also talks through his beginnings at MACo, and his vision for MACo as a vibrant and well-respected voice for county services. Great stories about former Senate President Miller, MACo President Dutch Ruppersberger, and other highlights of David's years as a county leader. A little bit of inside baseball, a little bit of memory lane, and a good insight into what has made MACo tick through the years.

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