The summer issue of the National Civic Review explores how communities are revitalizing democracy through civic tradition, collaborative leadership, and local innovation. Articles highlight the promise of citizen-focused democracy, strategies like fusion voting, and reforms to make public meetings more inclusive.

Contributors examine how storytelling shapes civic life, how cities are improving street safety, and what today’s local leaders can learn from historical figures. Together, these stories offer a hopeful view of how American communities can revitalize democracy through shared purpose, strategic innovation, and local leadership.

Explore the online edition of NCR. Access it here. 

Join us Friday, August 1 for a timely panel series tackling Maryland’s most urgent energy and climate challenges. Hear directly from legislators, experts, and local leaders as they dive into the rising cost of energy, who it’s impacting most, and the solutions being put into action. Also, be there to learn how communities across the state are securing funding for climate projects and building strategies for long-term resilience. 

For a closer look at what’s in store, check out the full Summer Symposium agenda below

Our summer conference is jampacked and fast-paced from day one to day four, so plan accordingly before you go:

Start considering which of the 60 workshops and sessions you want to attend.

• Academy For Excellence core, elective, and graduate classes
• Face-to-face time with Cabinet Secretaries
• Dive into the Legislator Shark Tank
• Cybersecurity and A.I.
• Harnessing Your Inner Leslie Knope
• And so much more

Explore the Expo

Chesapeake Bay Trust is now accepting applications for its Urban Trees Mini Grant Program, an exciting funding opportunity supporting tree planting in underserved urban areas across Maryland. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help implement small-scale tree planting projects that improve public health, reduce urban heat, and enhance neighborhood livability.

Discounted hotel room rates for the MML Summer Conference expire May 23.

Need a Reservation?
Peak room nights are going fast, and several hotels have sold out. To make a reservation visit the MML Conference Direct Hotel Portal.

Reservation Changes:
For questions or to make reservation updates use the link found on the confirmation email or contact the Conference Direct Housing Bureau.

Toll Free: 844-293-7037, International: 704-315-6648
Available Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Email: [email protected]

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day Grant Management workshop in Washington, DC on June 16-17, 2025.

This in-person training is for grant recipient organizations across all disciplines.  Attend this class and you'll learn how to administer government grants and stay in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Discounted tuition is $495 and includes all materials.  Please use the code "Special100" at the time of registration for this $100 discount.

For event details visit: https://grantstraining.com/dc0625

Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2026 Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program offered by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Applications are due by July 7, 2025.

The Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM) is a leadership development program accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium. The 300-hour academically grounded, job-relevant program requires participants to complete a Capstone Project for their agency to improve a service, reduce costs, or increase revenue.

The spring issue of the National Civic Review explores the evolving infrastructure of democracy and belonging — from dinner tables to city halls. Articles examine how shared meals foster social connection, how local governments are reforming electoral systems and police oversight through public deliberation, and how communities are combining citizen assemblies with participatory budgeting. 

Contributors also highlight the civic muscle behind effective citizen engagement, discuss the seven principles for impactful citizens’ assemblies in practice, and reflect on the civic virtue of committing to a place. Together, these stories illuminate how communities are revitalizing democracy from the ground up.

Explore the online edition of NCR, made possible by the National Civic League. Access it here.

Check out our MD Municipal Careers Job Board featured employment opportunity from the Town of Boonsboro.



To post your opportunities or to see what is available visit the MD Municipal Career Job Board.

Across Maryland, several unincorporated communities have taken the first steps to becoming official towns and cities, seeking ways to expand community and services to often neglected areas. However, efforts are derailed by the unfair web of state laws and county power that make incorporation a steep uphill battle. What is the solution? Learn about one such community in this recent article which has inspired recent legislation.

Read full article here

Public Speaking for Public Safety Professionals
Crownsville GOCPP Main Office
Monday, May 19, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Important: April 18 - Deadline for Hotel Room Occupant Information

• If you have reserved multiple hotel rooms under one name, you must provide actual names of the occupants of those rooms by April 18
• If multiple rooms held under one name remain after April 18, they will be cancelled with no refunds
• If the occupants of those rooms are not yet determined, assign a unique name and update later

The Maryland Municipal League is delighted to see so many familiar faces returning to our award winning expo hall this summer. Often called a "one stop shop", 250+ exhibitors provide solutions for all municipal needs.

Thank them for their ongoing support.

As we prepare for our summer conference, we also reflect back on the memory of those whom we have lost.  The League will recognize municipal officials who have passed away since June of 2024 at the conference as we have done in the past.  We are calling upon you, our members, to make sure that all are remembered. 

The Maryland Municipal League would like to recognize the following organizations for their long-standing support of Maryland local governments as summer conference exhibitors for over 20 years.

We appreciate and thank you for your dedication and also for educating Maryland's local governments on the latest service and product innovations.

Check out our MD Municipal Careers Job Board featured employment opportunity from University Park.

Join the Eastern Shore Food Coalition from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, at Tackling Hunger Together: An Eastern Shore Food Security Symposium at Chesapeake College, 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD.

The symposium will be a day filled with insightful discussions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees will explore innovative solutions to address food insecurity in their communities.

Join MML and the Maryland Mayors for our inaugural Advocacy Day as we meet with state leadership, visit the State House, and attend delegation meetings.

March 6, 2025 - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Governor Calvert House, Annapolis, MD

Need to fill a position?

Join us on March 18 at noon for our MML Municipal Careers Job Board Lunch and Learn webinar.

Secure your hotel accommodations today for the annual MML Summer Conference, June 22-25, in Ocean City, Maryland. The League has contracted discounted room rates at sixteen local hotels. Several including the Aloft, Hilton Suites, Holiday Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Oceanfront, and the Tru by Hilton have exceeded the 80% sold mark. 

Utilize the Conference Direct hotel portal to make your reservations (no additional fees for this service). All reservation-related details, including real time availability, room types, and direct customer support, may be found within the portal. If your preferred room night has been taken, there is even a wait list option. MMLCON25 will offer another jam-packed program Sunday through Wednesday. Be sure you have your spot secured.