Looking to stand out during the ultimate legislative launch event in Annapolis? With over 1,000 attendees at last year’s reception, this is a great opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting and important legislative networking events of the year.
Be a sponsor. Check out the event's limited sponsorship opportunities
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:
Access the slides here:
The countdown is on with just a little over a month until the highly anticipated 2026 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session begins. The Maryland Municipal League invites you to join us on January 14, 2026, for our Legislative Opening Day Reception, the ultimate legislative launch event in Annapolis. With over 1,000 attendees at last year’s reception, this is a great opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting and important legislative networking events of the year. Don’t miss the excitement - mark your calendar and join us at the historic Governor Calvert House, 58 State Circle, Annapolis, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 14.
Last week's State of the Municipality assembled local leaders from across Maryland to examine the data and insights shaping our state's communities. Local officials, subject matter experts, and policymakers explored important topics ranging from economic development to infrastructure and community resiliency. A key theme emerged: Maryland municipalities are doing more with less. High-impact, quality of life services provided by municipal governments build places where people are proud to live, work, and play. But they are not cheap, and local governments need a modernized revenue structure that aligns with the expectations of today’s Marylanders.
We're pleased to announce that the full "Municipal Service Delivery in Maryland” report, conducted by the Schaefer Center at the University of Baltimore, is now publicly available. The report provides an in-depth look at Maryland municipalities and their services, highlighting important trends and key findings. We've also included the NLC City Fiscal Conditions presentation, which showcases the resilience and responsiveness of local governments nationwide. Together, these resources offer effective insights for city officials, policy experts, and anyone interested in understanding the fiscal realities facing municipalities today.
The National Civic League is now accepting applications for the 2026 All-America City Award. The theme for 2026 is “America at 250: Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust.” The League is seeking communities that are bringing our founding ideals to life by ensuring that people have the power and opportunity to shape their collective future.
Apply to join the 9 communities from Maryland that have won the All-America City Award! You can view the full list of past recipients here.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly enacted legislation establishing eight new Sustainable Growth Planning Principles to guide land use and development policy statewide. In response, the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) has released the Sustainable Growth Implementation Guide, a new resource intended to help jurisdictions understand how the Principles may be applied in planning documents, projects, and policy development.
MDP developed the Guide with input from multiple state agencies and through Regional Planner Roundtables, where local planners identified areas where additional clarity or technical support could be useful. This Guide is designed to offer a flexible framework that can help jurisdictions anticipate market changes and better align local planning efforts with the state’s goals related to economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. It includes examples, best practices, and models for integrating them into local planning processes, and is intended as a companion manual to the new Principles.
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.
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.
Maryland Municipal League Hosts National Leaders in Annapolis for 2025 NLC-RISC Conference
(October 29, 2025) Annapolis, Md. – The Maryland Municipal League (MML) served as host to 38 State Leagues and insurance pools from across the country for the 2025 National League of Cities (NLC) Risk Information Sharing Consortium (RISC) Staff Conference this week in Annapolis. Alongside the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), over 200 League and insurance pooling staff convened to share insights and best practices for managing risk.
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 21st 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.
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.
