The United States Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) recently held two webinars that featured information on cybersecurity threats and water system infrastructure. The links below will direct you to presentation slides that cover essential information on cybersecurity challenges facing water systems, including:

• Information technology vs. operational technology and their common myths, systems, and threats
• Best practices for reporting incidents and recovery
• Cyber threats to infrastructure and water systems
• Cybersecurity resources and information

Access the slides here:

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.

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.

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.

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 Cybersecurity Operational Methods and Education Training (COMET) program - delivered by BCR Cyber in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and funded by the Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Maryland grant - is now accepting applicants for its FREE Fall 2025 training tracks.

Two Training Tracks Available (Sept 29 – Nov 3, 2025):

The National League of Cities has unveiled their new report and toolkit of AI and cities. This toolkit was formed in early 2024, with a committee of 20 local government leaders convening to assess the role of AI in cities and towns. Their work focused on three themes: understanding how AI works and its growing accessibility for municipalities of all sizes; evaluating ethical and responsible use of AI to mitigate risks; and exploring practical implementation through real-world case studies.

This report offers guidance to help local governments navigate and envision AI’s impact in their communities. 

It's that time of year again!

Is there a legislative matter that your municipality, chapter or department would like to see considered as an MML Legislative Priority for the 2026 Legislative session? Complete the 2026 Legislative Action Request (LAR) form by May 31.

The Maryland State Archives has announced the launch of a updated Maryland Land Records website, set to go live in May 2025. The revamped website will offer improved search functionality, enhanced security, and greater website stability.

Along with these upgrades, a new fee structure will be introduced: users will be charged $0.20 per page to view or download modern land records (less than 100 years old) online. However, historical records over 100 years old will remain free to access.

The National League of Cities (NLC) has opened a new round of the Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program, offering municipalities grants of up to $20,000 to enhance residents' economic mobility through initiatives such as creating quality jobs, supporting small businesses, or aiding access to government benefits.

Selected applicants will also receive coaching from NLC staff and network with peers in the Economic Mobility Peer Network.

Join MML on April 23 at noon for a Lunch and Learn: Legislative Wrap Up webinar on the Maryland General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session. Gain insights from our esteemed panelists as we discuss MML's legislative objectives, the Maryland state budget, and other important municipal issues and information.

Register here

Are you a public or nonprofit employee who has participated in a program evaluation (2021–2023)? Your insights can help improve how evaluations drive learning and growth.

A Ph.D. student at Concordia University Wisconsin is conducting research on how organizations can better use evaluation results to strengthen programs. If you’re a program manager or involved in evaluations, your input is especially valuable.

MML is happy to continue its affiliate membership with the National League of Cities (NLC), relying on NLC to be our resource for federal issues impacting Maryland local government.

If your municipality has a population of less than 20,000, you are now able to access a variety of NLC resources. To that end, NLC has developed a new Presidential Actions Summary resource, summarizing Executive Orders made under the Trump-Vance Administration that could have either positive or negative impacts on local governments. Please follow this resource for information relevant to municipalities. Additional information from NLC and the State of Maryland will be shared as it becomes available.

Stay informed and engaged.

The MML Bill Positions webpage has been updated for the 2025 legislative session. It contains up-to-date information on MML's key legislation that impacts our municipalities. You'll find bill text, information, status updates, and our organizations positions throughout session there.

The National League of Cities (NLC) has been asked to testify at the House Transportation Committee’s kickoff hearing to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on Wednesday, January 15 at 10 a.m. ET. IIJA significantly expanded the number of infrastructure programs local governments could access, but there is a need to protect the local-federal partnership programs in the face of limited federal funding and tough scrutiny in the renewal process. The NLC Research team has prepared a new local infrastructure priorities survey and needs responses before March 12. The goal is to have every state’s representation resulting in national report out of the nation’s most pressing city infrastructure needs and state-by-state breakouts for Senators and State Leagues for use for state-level work.

Setting Up Your myMGA Account

To submit testimony (oral, written, or informational) to the Maryland General Assembly, you must have a myMGA account. There are helpful tutorials for myMGA here.

The highly anticipated 2025 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session begins today! The Maryland Municipal League and the City of Annapolis invite you to join us on January 8, 2025, for our Legislative Opening Day Reception, the ultimate legislative launch event in Annapolis. Don’t miss the excitement at the historic Governor Calvert House, 58 State Circle, Annapolis, from 6 to 8 p.m on January 8.