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. 

From keynote speakers to dynamic entertainment, see the key moments captured from each MML event by visiting our Flickr account.

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Governor Wes Moore has announced the launch of the Local Government Energy Modernization Program, a major new funding opportunity to accelerate clean energy planning and deployment across Maryland’s incorporated towns, cities, and counties.

Administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), the program will provide $64 million for planning and capital projects that reduce utility costs, modernize infrastructure, and advance Maryland’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions.

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

The Maryland Comptroller's Office and the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business recently released a new report that explores how federal workforce trends and budget shifts may impact local economies, public sector employment, and private industry.

Key Findings:

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. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development invites applications for grants to provide strong rural communities the leadership and technical know-how to keep growing.

The funding is being made available through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This program awards grants to qualified intermediary organizations to deliver financial and technical assistance that helps recipients build capacity to carry out projects related to housing, community facilities, and community and economic development.

Registration for Fall Conference 2025 kicks off on July 28. As we get closer to registration going live, don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend our Lunch and Learn webinar to help you prepare to get your officials signed up.

Join MML staff on Tuesday, July 22 at noon as we provide an overview of the event registration process that will include:

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.

Sustainable Maryland is pleased to announce two grant opportunities available this spring to support local environmental and resilience initiatives:

MML’s most engaged members have reached the end of this year’s Banner City/Town journey and have earned their Banner City/Town designation. MML’s oldest ambassador program is a guidepost for members to make the most of their MML membership as these municipalities have done.

Congratulations to MML's 2025 Banner Cities and Towns:

Bel Air, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Brentwood, Brunswick, Cheverly, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Denton, District Heights, Edmonston, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Friendsville, Frostburg, Gaithersburg, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Hampstead, Hebron, Hyattsville, Keedysville, Kensington, La Plata, Laurel, Leonardtown, Middletown, Mount Airy, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, North Beach, North Brentwood, Preston, Rising Sun, Rockville, Seat Pleasant, Sykesville, Takoma Park, Taneytown, Thurmont, Union Bridge, Upper Marlboro, Westminster, Williamsport

MML is often asked to nominate candidates to workgroups, task forces, and commissions created to study or work on specific policy areas. Below are two open seats that are designated to be filled by municipal officials. Please take a look and if either look interesting, please email Bill Jorch ([email protected]) with your name, title, municipality, and brief narrative about why you are interested in the seat. Please note that indicating interest in a seat does not guarantee you will be nominated. Thank you!

This year's Maryland Municipal League summer conference once again delivers dynamic and powerful speakers:

Opening Keynote Speaker - Tim Shriver

Chairman of the Special Olympics International and Co-Creator of The Dignity Index, Tim Shriver, will open the conference, Monday morning, with an insightful look at how to communicate within ever growing complex community dynamics.

Effective emergency planning starts with understanding the essentials. The Maryland Municipal League Emergency Management Officials Department (EMOD) will be offering a preview of their summer conference workshop on continuity of operations in the event of an emergency, for local governments regardless of size.  

Join them on Tuesday, June 3 at Noon for an MML Lunch & Learn and check out:

If you want everyone to enjoy what is so special about your municipality, chapter or department, join Bel Air, Frederick, Hagerstown, Ocean City, Pocomoke City, and the Municipal Police Executive Association (PEA) for Municipal Tuesday’s MML Main Street event, an exclusive member municipality showcase opportunity.

Registration for the MML Main Street event includes:

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]

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.