Maryland’s economic environment is undergoing significant transformation, influencing local government budgets, public services, and long-term planning strategies. Across the state, officials are grappling with uneven development patterns, demographic changes, and ongoing challenges in the labor sector. National factors such as higher interest rates, a softening job market, and downturns in critical industries are increasingly affecting local operations, from staffing to fiscal stability. Given the state’s diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural economies, counties are experiencing these shifts in varied ways—some benefitting from employment growth while others face shrinking workforces or limited private investment. Understanding these evolving dynamics is crucial for effective governance and sustainable development. n nEconomist Daraius Irani will deliver a comprehensive analysis of Maryland’s current economic trajectory and its implications for county administrations. His presentation will cover regional and national trends, workforce developments, and emerging risks and opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into how these economic forces influence service delivery, operational planning, and revenue forecasting. The session aims to equip local leaders with practical knowledge to better anticipate and adapt to economic fluctuations. n nSpeaker: Daraius Irani, Ph.D., Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research at Towson University and Chief Economist at the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) n nModerator: The Honorable Lily Qi, Maryland House of Delegates n nDate/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025; 9:15 am – 10:15 am n nAdditional resources for the MACo Winter Conference are available: n nAttendee Registration Pricing n nOnline Registration Portal n nRegistration Guide – Essential Reading (featuring the new system) n nFull Schedule Brochure n nExhibitor Information Packet n nSponsorship Details n nAccommodation Information n nPhotos from the 2024 Winter Conference n nConduit Street Blog Coverage n nFollow #MACoCon on Twitter
— news from Maryland Association of Counties
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Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy at #MACoCon
Maryland’s economy is shifting in ways that are already reshaping local budgets, services, and long-range priorities. n nAcross Maryland, state and county leaders are confronting an economic landscape defined by uneven growth, demographic transitions, and persistent workforce pressures. At the same time, national trends, like rising interest rates, a cooling labor market, and slowdowns in key industries, are filtering down to the local level, affecting everything from hiring and retention to revenue reliability. Maryland’s unique mix of suburban, rural, and urban economies also means counties experience these pressures differently, with some seeing strong job gains while others navigate shrinking labor pools or stalled private-sector investment. Against this backdrop, understanding where the economy is heading and how those shifts intersect with county service demands has become essential for informed governance and long-term resilience. n nTitle: Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy n nDescription: Join Economist Daraius Irani for an in-depth update on Maryland’s economy and the implications for county governments. This dynamic presentation will explore national and regional economic trends, labor market shifts, and emerging challenges and opportunities within Maryland’s economy. Dr. Irani will also examine how these forces affect county operations, service delivery, and long-term planning, providing actionable insights to help local leaders anticipate and respond to economic changes. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the financial landscape and its direct impact on workforce development and revenue streams. n nSpeaker: Daraius Irani, Ph. D., Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research, Towson University; Chief Economist, Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), Towson University n nModerator: The Honorable Lily Qi, Maryland House of Delegates n nDate/Time: Thursday, December 11, 2025; 9:15 am – 10:15 am n nLearn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: n nAttendee Registration Pricing n nAttendee Online Registration n nAttendee Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system) n nAttendee Brochure (with full schedule) n nExhibitor Brochure n nExhibitor Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system) n nSponsorship Opportunities n nHotel Details n n2024 Winter Conference Photos (see what it’s like!) n nConduit Street Blog Coverage n n#MACoCon on Twitter