New Animal Welfare Laws

Baltimore County Public Library Communications Supervisor Emily Williamson talks to Caroline Szymanik, a teacher who visited all 19 branches this summer and documented the adventure on social media under the handle @whineyliney.Special Guest: Emily Williamson.

Cal Bowman, Director of Baltimore County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management discusses how the office prepares for and anticipates incidents. Whether severe storms or a cyber-attack, OEM is ready to connect departments and lead the county through a multitude of incidents and events. Special Guest: Cal Bowman.

BC Builds, launched in the Fall of 2025, is an initiative designed to modernize the development, permitting, and regulatory processes in Baltimore County. As the department of Permits, Applications, and Inspections moves through this process, we discuss the permitting application process with a couple departments that are involved, namely the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability. This is part 2 of a 2-part podcast. Last month, we spoke with PAI Director Pete Gutwald concerning what residents and developers should know before starting the permitting process, how the BC Builds initiative will help improve permitting, and gave a general overview of how a permit moves through the application process.

BC Builds, launched in the Fall of 2025, is an initiative designed to modernize the development, permitting, and regulatory processes in Baltimore County. As the department of Permits, Applications, and Inspections moves through this process, Director Pete Gutwald sits down with us to discuss what residents and developers should know before starting the permitting process, how the BC Builds initiative will help improve permitting, and gives a general overview of how a permit moves through the application process. This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast.  Next month we discuss the permitting application process through the lens of the departmental review process.

This month, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier signed three new bills into law concerning the welfare of animals and pets. We discuss how these new laws will impact the animals, pets, and residents of Baltimore County. We also speak with Baltimore County Animal Services Bureau Director, Dr. Rene Varela, on how it affects their operations.

During Earth Month, discover how the Baltimore County's Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability works to promote environmental stewardship, sustainable growth, water quality and pollution prevention. We discuss stream restoration, watershed management, solar energy projects, and reforestation programs with several members of the department.

The Baltimore County population is aging, and becoming a caregiver can be overwhelming and isolating for many. The Baltimore County Public Library has received a $40,000 grant and is working with the Baltimore County Department of Aging on a series of programs and providing resources to better support a caregiver’s journey. Special Guests: Heang Tan and Julie Brophy.

For 8 years running, the Baltimore County Executive has held town hall meetings in every council district to give community members an opportunity to provide input into the budget planning process. We explore how the county prepares for these meetings held over 2 months every year.

Baltimore County offers a wide array of festivities to celebrate the holidays. In this episode, Tom Yorke, Chief of Tourism for Baltimore County highlights some of the events and activities going on. Special Guest: Tom Yorke.

Baltimore County broke ground on three new school buildings this fall. These new buildings will usher learning in to the 21st century for these schools and their communities. In depth interviews with the educators and students who will benefit from these new buildings, as well as provide details on their construction and timelines.