Consider this your friendly nudge - the 2025 State of the Municipality is almost here, and this is the final call to secure your spot. Join the Maryland Municipal League for the 2025 State of the Municipality on December 4, 2025, at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. Discover findings from the new Municipal Services Report, a MML study done in collaboration with The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Hear from state and local leaders on budgeting, service priorities, and modernizing revenue for 21st-century Marylanders. Also, enjoy an exclusive National League of Cities (NLC) report finding on City Fiscal Conditions in 2025.

If you haven’t purchased your ticket yet, this is your last opportunity. Registration is closing soon and very limited tickets remain available.

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites you to participate in a brief, 10-minute survey to share your experiences, concerns, and challenges living or working in rural Maryland.

Your feedback is essential — it will directly inform the Council’s legislative and funding priorities for our two grant programs: the Maryland Agriculture Education & Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF).

• Rural Maryland needs your input.
• Your community needs your voice.
• Share your perspective and help shape the future of rural Maryland.

Be part of the solution — complete the survey today and help us improve the quality of life for everyone in rural Maryland.

Click this link. It only takes 10 minutes, and your voice can make a lasting impact.

To learn more about RMC, visit rural.maryland.gov or contact us directly at 410-841-5772 or [email protected].

As we are continuing through Municipal Government Works (MGW) Month, let's take a moment to acknowledge some of those that have already participated in the campaign:

The Maryland Municipal League (MML), with membership in attendance, demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship through participation in two major events this November. Tyler Brice, MML Manager, Advocacy and Public Affairs, attended both the Greater Baltimore Climate Summit and the "Wandering Maryland's Waterways" Bus Tour, engaging with local and state leaders on critical resilience and water quality issues.

Join the Maryland Municipal League for the 2025 State of the Municipality on December 4, 2025, at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. Discover findings from the new Municipal Services Report, a MML study done in collaboration with The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Hear from state and local leaders on budgeting, service priorities, and modernizing revenue for 21st-century Marylanders. Also, enjoy an exclusive National League of Cities (NLC) report finding on City Fiscal Conditions in 2025.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about the types of services being offered around the state and the country. Limited tickets available.

Happy MGW month! November is the time to highlight how municipal government enhances the quality of life of its residents and all Marylanders. 

Please join us in celebrating MGW month by highlighting municipal department heads or department staff every Wednesday on social media. Be sure to use the #MGW or #MGWMonth as you are posting on social media. You may even see your post reposted by MML.

The Maryland Municipal is hosting the 2025 MML State of the Municipality on December 4, 2025, at Governor Calvert House in Annapolis, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

As Maryland’s cities and towns continue to evolve, so do their vital roles in the provision of programs and services to Marylanders; from those that are essential such as water and public safety to those that make municipalities vibrant places such as community events. This year, we are proud to unveil the 2025 research report produced by The Schaeffer Center and the University of Baltimore detailing services provided by municipalities, cost overview of these services, as well as usage of these services. Hear from an expert panel of local and State leaders on the prioritization of services, the delicate budget process, national trends, and how these tie into the need to modernize municipal revenue sources to meet the needs of 21^st century Marylanders.  Join us for an exclusive keynote on City Fiscal Conditions in 2025.

Congratulations to our 2025 Municipal Achievement Award winners. Your innovative programs and dedication to improving the quality of life in Maryland’s municipalities exemplify the very best in municipal service. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and for setting a shining example for municipalities everywhere.

• City of Bowie - Citywide Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofit Initiative representing excellence in Sustainability
• City of Laurel - Laurel Living Newsletter representing excellence in eGovernance
• City of Rockville - ADA Access and Inclusion Program representing excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Town of Somerset - Town Events to Bridge Community/Youth Entrepreneur Market representing excellence in Community Engagement 

 

Maryland lawmakers preparing to consider and debate AI regulations are also intrigued by its potential in health care, education, and beyond. Local governments are beginning to turn to AI to boost public services and strengthen public safety. However, like state agencies, they are faced with difficulties regarding data privacy, ethical use, and accountability for automated actions.

Lawmakers from both parties recognize AI's potential, and its risks, from bias to misinformation. A legislative workgroup formed earlier this year is drafting recommendations to protect consumers from AI-related harm in areas such as employment and housing. Policymakers are also examining how AI could assist teachers in lesson planning and help students struggling in key subjects.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is accepting applications through November 7, 2025 for the second round of the Transit-Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund. $3.75 million is available to local jurisdictions and their development partners to fund projects at State-designated station areas.

For more information, please visit the program website, email [email protected] or attend an upcoming webinar: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund  - MDOT.

The fall issue of the National Civic Review explores how communities are confronting democracy’s toughest tests with creativity and resolve. From reimagining how citizens participate in public life to tackling challenges like homelessness, environmental sustainability, and civic trust, contributors share practical insights for making democracy work better for everyone.

This issue highlights how local leadership, innovation, and everyday participation continue to shape a more responsive and resilient democracy. 

Explore the online edition of the Review, made possible through the Maryland Municipal League’s partnership with the National Civic League. Access it here

A recent decision from the Appellate Court of Maryland significantly broadens local governments’ potential liability in employment discrimination and retaliation cases. In Joseph Watts v. Prince George’s County, the Court held that the damage caps under the Local Government Tort Claims Act (LGTCA) do not apply to claims brought under the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (MFEPA) or local anti-discrimination ordinances.

Background:
A Prince George’s County jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $1.7 million for employment discrimination and retaliation under MFEPA and the County Code. The County sought to reduce the award under the LGTCA cap, and the circuit court lowered the judgment to $400,000. The plaintiff appealed that reduction.

Stormwater is the water that flows off of impervious surfaces, like parking lots, roads and roofs. It can carry bacteria, nutrients, and other pollutants into local waterways. Excess stormwater can lead to flooding and cause damage to infrastructure, private property, and people.

 

If you attended a session at last week's MML Excellence in Leadership Conference and were unable to access PowerPoints and other workshop materials, you can now find them in the MDCommunity file gallery. 

 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Greenspace Equity Program grant round. This is a competitive grant program and only proposals that meet program requirements submitted by eligible applicants may be considered for funding.  A complete Greenspace Equity Program FY 2027 Application and Project Agreement with all the necessary accompanying documents must be emailed to [email protected].​  

Applications are now open for National League of Cities (NLC) Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils. Join a Federal Advocacy Committee to bring your voice to the national conversation or join a Member Council and connect with municipalities like yours. Applicants must be from an NLC member city, town or village – deadline Tuesday, December 2.

Visit the NLC membership webpage to apply or for additional information. Email the NLC Member Services and Engagement team at [email protected] with questions.

Feeling a little bit of post-conference blues? Reminisce on moments from LeadershipCon25 by browsing our Photo Gallery for an overview of highlights from the event.

To see the full gallery, head over to MML's Flickr and download some of your favorite moments from the conference!

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recently issued a memorandum clarifying how state and local law enforcement officers must operate when working alongside federal agencies. The OAG’s “Maryland Law Enforcement Standards When Working with Federal Agents” (October 2025) establishes clear expectations that Maryland officers remain fully bound by state law—even during joint operations or federal task forces. The guidance is intended to help departments avoid conflicts between state and federal standards and maintain community trust. Among other things, the OAG memo outlines what officers must do, may do, and must not do when participating in joint operations, covering areas such as:

• Use-of-force and de-escalation standards;

Looking for strategies to resuscitate vacant storefronts in your community? Recast Cities can help. 

You see the potential everywhere: talented entrepreneurs working from home, creative businesses ready to scale, and a downtown that could be the beating heart of your local economy. Recast Leaders provides a roadmap, expert coaching, and peer support to transform your downtown or neighborhood main street into a thriving destination in just 10 months. Communities that complete Recast Leaders get direct help figuring out what to do and implementing their top projects. For more information, visit https://www.recastcity.com/recastleaders.