On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym joins Kevin Kinnally to break down the Electoral College and its impact on American democracy. They explore how this centuries-old system came to be, why it continues to spark debate, and what potential reforms could mean for future elections. Plus, a dive into the balance between state sovereignty and national interests and the mystery surrounding the framers’ secretive deliberations.

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In this special two-part Ask Me Anything series of the Conduit Street Podcast, our host, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, dives into part two of listener-submitted questions.
Tune in as Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally tackle a new set of questions that showcase MACo's unique legislative approach of pragmatism and creativity. This candid discussion is one you won't want to miss as it shines a light on the challenges and the unique local quirks that make Maryland governance one of a kind.

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In this special two-part Ask Me Anything series of the Conduit Street Podcast, our host, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym, dives into listener-submitted questions that cover everything from under-the-radar Maryland policies to personal takes on Maryland-themed Monopoly. Listen in as Michael Sanderson and Kevin Kinnally tackle thought-provoking questions about MACo’s role in local governance, the rising influence of technology and AI, challenges in the 2025 legislative session, and dream guests for the podcast.

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In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Karrington Anderson, in her podcast debut, dive into the world of inclusive playgrounds and the vital role they play in fostering diversity, connection, and community.

Jill Moore, an expert in inclusive play spaces, shares how thoughtful design and collaboration with teams like Sparks@Play can create environments where all children—regardless of ability—can thrive, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging.

From understanding community needs to engaging local resources, they explore how counties can stay ahead of the curve in accessibility. Tune in to hear inspiring success stories, practical tips, and how inclusivity benefits everyone.

More About Our Guest and Inclusive Play
Celebrating Diversity: Jill Moore Of Landscape Structures On How To Build Inclusive Communities

How Building More Inclusive Playgrounds Means More Playtime For Every Child

Next-Level Playground Design

Fair Play: How playgrounds are becoming more inclusive for kids with vision and hearing disabilities

Inclusive playgrounds let everyone in on the fun

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Join hosts Kevin Kinnally and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym on this special episode of the Conduit Street Podcast as they sit down with Roger Hartley, Dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, and Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy.

Discover how these institutions are preparing Maryland's future public service leaders, fostering partnerships, and supporting government innovation through key programs like the Maryland Certified Public Manager Program. Don't miss this insightful conversation about leadership, career pipelines, and the role of research in shaping Maryland’s public policy.

Important Links:
Schaefer Center for Public Policy
College of Public Affairs | University of Baltimore (ubalt.edu)

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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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. 

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.

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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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

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