Anne Kaiser, School of Public Policy clinical professor and associate director of the Institute for Public Leadership, presented the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance County Innovation Awards and the Marilyn Praisner Award last night at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference.
The County Innovation Awards recognized initiatives that exemplify creativity and collaboration in local government:
- Large County Winner: Baltimore City's Tele911 Initiative – Launched in April 2024, this EMS-based telemedicine program equips Baltimore City Fire Department medics with tablets featuring Tele911's emergency telemedicine software, making Baltimore the first jurisdiction in Maryland to implement such technology.
- Small County Winner: Carroll County Exploration Commons at 50 East (EC50) – Housed in the downtown Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library, EC50 is a cutting-edge community center offering a makerspace, commercial teaching kitchen and collaborative meeting spaces to encourage innovation and community engagement.
The Marilyn J. Praisner Public Service Award was presented to Senator Pam Beidle, chair of the Maryland General Assembly Senate Finance Committee, in recognition of her distinguished career and commitment to public service.
