This designation recognizes the collective engagement of the municipality—not any single official or employee. Elected officials and municipal staff may work together throughout the year to complete the requirements. 

Municipalities earning the Banner City/Town designation will be recognized at the annual MML Summer Conference during the closing general session. 

To earn Banner City/Town recognition, a municipality must complete at least five of the six engagement areas below. 

1. CONNECT — Participate in the League 

Have at least one municipal representative participate in both the annual Summer Conference and the Excellence in Leadership Conference, formerly known as the Fall Conference. 

2. LEAD — Invest in Municipal Leadership 

Complete at least one qualifying leadership activity, such as: 

  • Serve on the MML Board of Directors or an MML Standing committee; 

  • Serve in a recognized affiliate leadership position; 

  • Currently have an individual enrolled in Academy for Excellence in Local Governance; 

3. ENGAGE — Participate in Maryland’s Municipal Community  

Complete at least three qualifying MML engagement activities, such as: 

  • Participate in a recognized affiliate meeting for 50% of the membership year; 

  • Attend the annual Maryland Mayors Association Winter Conference; 

  • Log in and utilize MD Community; 

  • Log in and utilize MML’s Digital Research Library 

  • Post a municipal opening on MD Municipal Careers, the MML Job Board 

  • Register and attend two MML webinars 

4. EDUCATE — Tell the Story of Municipal Government  

Complete at least two community-facing municipal education activity, such as: 

  • Share a MML post on your member social media hosted profile; 

  • Visit a school or host students at City/Town Hall for the annual “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” Essay Contest; 

  • Participate in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” Essay Contest as a volunteer reader; 

  • Engage college or university students as a volunteer through MML’s LeadForward program; 

  • Exhibit at MML Main Street during the annual Summer Conference 

5. ADVOCATE — Bring the Local Voice to the Conversation  

Participate in at least the first bullet and one additional opportunity to bring the municipality’s experience and perspective into a state policy discussion, such as: 

  • Participate in at least one of the following: Advocacy Day, Municipal Town Hall or MML symposium; 

  • Provide testimony or other formal input during the Maryland General Assembly session in favor of MML adopted priorities; 

  • Respond to an MML request for municipal information or policy input; 

  • Complete a MML survey; 

  • Participate in another MML-designated policy engagement opportunity ie resolution supporting legislation. 

6. STRENGTHEN — Invest in Good Municipal Governance  

Complete at least one activity designed to strengthen the municipality’s governance, operations, preparedness, or service to residents, such as: 

  • Participate in the Orientation for Municipal Officials (OMO), a new member orientation at either professional development conference; 

  • Utilize MML’s facilitation services; 

  • Meet with MML’s field team representative; 

  • Attend one LGIT training or renewal workshop. 

  • Participate in a National League of Cities event or online training. 

 

2027 Banner City Application Form
Banner City Criteria FAQ