Conduit Street Podcast

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Commercial Real Estate: Apocalypse or Opportunity? Jun 23, 2023

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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.
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Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Commercial Real Estate: Apocalypse or Opportunity?
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: MACo Supports Local Property Tax Flexibility

Gears Still Turning in Annapolis Jun 09, 2023

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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.
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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

Two Barriers to EV Adoption in MD Jun 02, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko discuss barriers to the widespread adoption of election vehicles. The need to address the global climate crisis has rallied policymakers to adopt aggressive measures to encourage manufacturers and consumers to embrace electric vehicle (EV) technology. But, many challenges remain.
In addition to concerns about electric grid capacity and inadequate charging infrastructure, questions about affordability and infrastructure are two of the most significant barriers to getting more drivers to switch to EVs. With the average cost of a new EV hovering around $60,000, many motorists are priced out of the market. And the potential for EVs to upend traditional transportation funding models while at the same time contributing significantly more strain on roads remains a vexing issue.
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.
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Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Two Speed Bumps on Maryland’s EV Adoption
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: States Consider New Ways to Fund Roads as Nation Shifts Toward EVs

Debt Limit: Deal or No Deal? May 19, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson break down the latest on the high-stakes negotiations to avoid an unprecedented default on the nation's debt and explain why Maryland is especially vulnerable to federal budget cuts or austerity measures.
New analyses by the Congressional Budget Office and the US Department of the Treasury indicate the United States is rapidly approaching the date the government can no longer pay its bills, also known as the "X-date."
Since the debt ceiling reached $31.381 trillion, the US government has not been able to issue any new debt. As a result, the government has been forced to meet its obligations in the short term by combining cash on hand with "extraordinary measures" to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations as Congress deliberates on increasing or suspending the debt limit,
While federal lawmakers remain at loggerheads over addressing the debt limit, the once-unthinkable scenario of the United States defaulting on its debt now feels like a genuine possibility.
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.
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Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Federal Debt Limit Dilemma: What’s At Stake for States and County Governments?

The Detention Dilemma: What We Ask of Local Jails May 12, 2023

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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.
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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

Goucher Poll Takes the MD Pulse May 05, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dr. Mileah Kromer joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to break down the results from the latest Goucher College Poll. Maryland residents shared their opinions on Governor Wes Moore, President Joe Biden, the Maryland General Assembly, the state's direction and economic conditions, current and expected cannabis use, transportation preferences, sports wagering, and more!
The Goucher College Poll measures the opinions of Maryland residents and voters on important policy, social, and economic issues.
As director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center, Dr. Mileah Kromer oversees every aspect of the Goucher Poll, including survey instrument construction, sampling, data analysis, and the development of appropriate survey methodologies. In addition, she is responsible for interviewer training and lab supervision.
In addition to her duties as director, Dr. Kromer teaches courses on American politics and research methods. Her scholarly interests include public opinion and state politics. Her work has appeared in Survey Practice, Social Science Quarterly, The Social Science Journal, The Journal of Legislative Studies, and the Journal of Political Science Education. In addition, Dr. Kromer is a frequent commentator on Maryland politics.
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.
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Conduit Street Podcast: The Maryland Mindset, with Guest Mileah Kromer
Goucher College Poll
Follow Dr. Kromer on Twitter

School Funding: Session Flukes and the Future Apr 28, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January and Michael Sanderson discuss school funding, one of the more nuanced and complicated policy responsibilities of the State, counties, and policymakers.
The 2023 legislative session challenged some of the long-established educational funding protocols, which is concerning for county governments. Hear why new precedent may be a precursor for significant changes in how Maryland funds its public schools.

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 Policy Deep Dive: After the 2023 Legislative Session, What's Next for School Funding?

2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Education

MACo Mourns the Loss of Bill Ratchford, Leader and Friend

Evolving Policy on Public Safety Response Apr 21, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko joins Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson to discuss the evolution of public safety and front-line services in Maryland. Hear about county priorities to bolster 9-1-1, career and volunteer fire services, emergency medical services, and law enforcement by ensuring first responders are equipped with the latest technology and resources to save lives and keep communities safe.

MACo Legislative Initiative: Commission to Advance and Strengthen Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services Within Maryland

MACo Legislative Initiative to Modernize EMS Delivery and Care

Next Generation 9-1-1

Sine Die Send-Off & Session Recap Apr 14, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Brianna January, Dominic Butchko, and Sarah Sample recap the 2023 legislative session, including the fate of MACo's Legislative Initiatives, MACo's advocacy on dozens of bills with a significant impact on county governments, and several high-profile policy issues contemplated by the General Assembly during the 90-day session.

County Budgets: The Annapolis Effects Mar 24, 2023

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On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including a post-crossover look at how counties are faring in the State budget, the mounting fiscal pressures to implement the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, and promising new research on the efficacy of... dad jokes!

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Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Intended to Lessen the Burden of Hiring Local Blueprint Coordinators, Amended Bill Now Elevates the Mandate Counties

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Local Blueprint Implementation Plans Now Available Online

Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Report on House Bill 200 – the Budget Bill and House Bill 202 – the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act

'Hi Embarrassed, I'm Dad': How Dad Jokes Could Help Kids' Development

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