Conduit Street Podcast

Latest Episodes:

MACo's 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up Apr 11, 2025

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Join Sarah Sample and Dominic Butchko from the MACo Policy Team as they take listeners through MACo's major portfolio of issues from the just-wrapped 2025 legislative session. From energy to public safety, capital facilities, and education, they'll highlight MACo's big wins and key county concerns. Tune in now to catch all the excitement.

The Budget Balance Beam, Covering Annapolis With Pamela Wood Mar 21, 2025

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The clock is ticking in Annapolis! With just a few weeks left in Maryland’s legislative session, all eyes are on the budget—how will lawmakers navigate looming shortfalls, tax debates, and rising costs? This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and special guest Pamela Wood of The Baltimore Banner break down the biggest fiscal battles, the forecast for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and what it's like covering the Annapolis scene as a reporter. Don’t miss this vault into the high-stakes decisions shaping Maryland’s future!
Keeping up With Gymnastics
Khoi Young
Donnell Whittenburg

Crossover Week and Maryland's Housing Crunch Mar 13, 2025

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With crossover week in full swing, housing policy takes center stage in Annapolis. This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Dominic Butchko break down Maryland’s housing challenges and the debate surrounding the Housing for Jobs Act — a proposal with far-reaching implications for zoning, infrastructure, and local decision-making.

As Maryland navigates affordable housing shortages, infrastructure demands, and legal questions, this bill raises significant concerns about growth, school capacity, and the role of local governments in shaping development.

Tune in for a timely discussion on how this legislation could impact communities across the state, what’s at stake for county governments, and why flexibility remains critical to addressing the housing crisis.

More on what MACo had to say

The Year of the Impossible County Budget Feb 27, 2025

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As Maryland counties build their budgets, uncertainty from both Washington and Annapolis creates major challenges. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Sarah Sample break down the key fiscal debates shaping the future of local government funding.

Hold tight as they dive into the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act ("Big" BRFA) hearings, where state leaders are debating cost shifts that could push hundreds of millions in new expenses onto county governments. Sanderson likens the action to a parlor trick of sorts - to make the costs vanish from one budget and then appear on another.

A conversation about budgets isn't complete without looking at how local school systems are facing massive funding requests under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Now, counties are being asked to contribute more than ever - even as they brace for potential losses in state aid and revenue streams.

Get the latest insights and analysis in this must-listen episode of the Conduit Street podcast.

Josh Kurtz on Politics, Journalism, and What’s Next After Maryland Matters Feb 21, 2025

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Veteran Maryland political journalist Josh Kurtz, founder of Maryland Matters, joins Conduit Street Podcast host Michael Sanderson to "talk shop.” Kurtz has a decades-long career covering state politics and policy and brings much to the table as they talk about the evolution of Maryland’s media landscape, the decline of in-depth State House reporting, and the challenges of sustaining independent political journalism.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the intersection of politics, policy, and the press!
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Marathon: The Pursuit of the Presidency 1972-1976 by Jules Witcover
Running Mates by John Feinstein
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

The Pulse on Maryland’s Energy Feb 14, 2025

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Maryland's energy future is at a crossroads. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Dominic Butchko break down the latest energy legislation making waves in Annapolis. From rate hikes and grid reliability to renewable energy expansion and land use conflicts, they explore what’s driving the debate and how counties are navigating complex policy decisions.

Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the balancing act between clean energy goals, local control, and funding essential services.

And check out Michael Sanderson's Deep Dive on the Conduit Street blog:
Legislative Leadership Launches Major Energy “Package” on Rates, Transmission, and Siting

Notes From Nebraska & Maryland Parallels Feb 07, 2025

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, MACo's Director, Michael Sanderson, welcomes his counterpart from the Nebraska Association of Counties, Jon Cannon. They discuss policy issues facing the "cornhusker state," which (as is so often true) have some resonance here in Maryland. Also, digging into Mr. Cannon's background in tax and revenue administration, talk through the practical implementation of property tax offsets, fairness measures, and the overall effect of property taxes on tax policy. With county governments bracing for the fallout from the State budget crisis, we've got a few insights on the wisdom (or lack thereof) in putting further pressure on local property taxes.

Education Priorities for Maryland's Future Jan 31, 2025

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Michael Sanderson and Sarah Sample are joined by Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland. With numerous bills aimed at education policy and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future this legislative session, Mary Pat shares how local superintendents focus on policies prioritizing student outcomes and setting clear expectations for education agencies. Tune in for insights into these priorities and other key issues on their agenda in this week’s episode.

Signals From the West With Commissioner Paul Edwards Jan 24, 2025

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This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson head to the MACo office for a chat with Commissioner Paul Edwards of Garrett County, geographically Maryland’s westernmost and second-largest county. As the westernmost member of MACo, Commissioner Edwards shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the rural Appalachian county.

In this episode, they delve into Garrett County's legacy, explore unique policy issues, and discuss the value of counties collaborating through MACo. Commissioner Edwards also reflects on his journey into MACo leadership and how the organization benefits all Maryland counties.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion about leadership, community, and the power of working together for a stronger Maryland.
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Breaking Down the Budget Jan 17, 2025

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The Governor's FY26 budget has arrived, bringing with it a $3 billion gap, $2 billion in proposed cuts, and a host of decisions that directly affect Maryland’s counties. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson dive into the big-picture fiscal plan, unpacking its implications for local governments. From income tax changes and pension cost shifts to funding reductions and the elimination of key programs like Enterprise Zones, this week’s Conduit Street Podcast delivers an insider’s perspective on what the budget means for counties—and what challenges lie ahead.

Tune in for expert analysis, upcoming legislative priorities, and the fiscal nuances shaping Maryland's policy landscape.
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