There's still time to register to join your municipal colleagues from across the state on February 29th for MML's inaugural Advocacy Day.
This day of connection and amplification of what's important to Maryland's municipalities includes:
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is starting to roll out FY22 and FY23 funding.
Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress established the State and
Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) to “award grants to eligible entities to address
cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or
on behalf of, state, local, or tribal governments.”
View announcement for more details.
MML’s summer conference is the ultimate gathering for Maryland's elected officials, staff and organizations interested in working with local governments.
When you attend #MMLCon24 you’ll:
In a nod to its rich history and vibrant communities, Maryland is embarking on a journey to commemorate its 250th anniversary. Spearheaded by Executive Order and driven by a vision of statewide participation, the League is represented on the anniversary’s commission by Mayor Takisha James, Bladensburg.
The initiative is currently funded by the state, underscoring the government's commitment to this commemorative endeavor.
Announcing the inaugural MML Advocacy Day - MML members are welcome to join Mayors as we meet with state leadership, visit the Maryland State House and meet with MML’s chapter equivalent delegation chairs.
Please mark your calendars now for Advocacy Day, which will take place on February 29th, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Governor Calvert House.
As of July 1, 2024, the Maryland Department of the Environment will require all facilities conducting monitoring regulated under Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.04.07.09, 26.04.07.17, 26.04.07.20 and/or 40 CFR Part 258 to analyze for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (commonly referred to as a GenX Chemical). The risk posed by exposure to PFAS is an emerging and evolving national concern. MDE is focused on:
MDE is focused first on determining if any locations in Maryland pose unacceptable risks to human health associated with exposures to PFAS, and whether there are locations of continuing releases of PFAS compounds.
Join Sustainable Maryland staff and energy finance experts on Monday, February 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a hybrid (in person and Zoom) leadership training on Accessing Funding for Climate and Energy-related Projects. Participants will learn about the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA); existing and upcoming funding opportunities related to building electrification, electric vehicle transition, adopting renewable energy, and best practices for securing funding. Details, including how to register, are available on Sustainable Maryland's Leadership Training events page.
Marketplace.city is partnering with Leading Cities, a nonprofit to advance government sustainability and resiliency, to help find communities for pre-paid pilots through their AcceliGOV program. Winners of the accelerator program, AcceliCITY, will receive money for a funded pilot (no financial commitment from the government), and Marketplace.city is helping with the outreach to potential partner communities. The pilot areas are:
A full overview of the proposed pilot parameters and the companies involved can be found on AcceliGOV’s website.
Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) is pleased to announce our Competitive Grant Program for fiscal year 2025! The purpose of our Competitive Grant Program is to distribute funding to the highest-scoring proposals received from state and local governments, as well as from private and not-for-profit community-based partners, that align with Maryland’s strategic priorities and serve to meet some of the greatest needs around the State. The funding available for our Competitive Grant Program is approximately $6 million. For information on eligibility and requirements, as well as key dates and how to apply, visit the MOOR website.
Due to a new state law that took effect on October 1, 2023, municipalities are now required to electronically send the results of their election to the State Board of Elections (SBE) within 30 days after the results are certified to be posted on their website.
There is no specified format and you can see examples of results submitted so far on the SBE website here.
Missed out on the opportunity to attend the recent Lunch and Learn Webinar on the NLC Affiliate Program? Watch and learn about the benefits associated with using the MML Affiliate status of the National League of Cities.
The recording can be found on our YouTube channel.
(January 18, 2024) Annapolis, Md. – The Maryland Municipal League (MML) joined Senator Michael Jackson and Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson at the Senate Budget and Taxation hearing, January 18, in support of Senate Bill 14. SB 14 would enable Maryland’s 157 municipalities to establish Tourism Zones, bringing in new visitors, future residents and helping to attract new tourism-related business to cities, towns, and villages across the state.
“Representing three districts with diverse needs, literally fits this bill to a tee,” opened the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jackson. “Understanding that each [municipality] has their own particular needs, our job is to – as legislators – try to meet those needs.” The bill, if successful, would allow municipalities to self-designate the boundaries of a tourism zone, to establish definitions for tourism businesses and qualifications for incentives, and to provide certain local incentives. Incentives include, but are not limited to, real property tax credits, personal property tax credits, and exemption from local Admission and Amusement tax.
MML’s priority legislation, House Bill 282, will be heard in the House Environment & Transportation Committee on Thursday, February 8. HB 282 enables trained municipal personnel, in addition to a law enforcement officer, to approve or deny speed camera citations – just like red-light cameras and work zone speed cameras – simply standardizing the practice of camera enforcement.
The health and safety of the citizens who live, work, and play in our communities is one of the most important responsibilities of local governments. Improving the efficacy of municipal speed camera programs will reduce administrative burdens, empower smaller municipalities, and most importantly, enhance public safety.
Registration is open for the 2024 Maryland Mayors Association Winter Conference and our spots are filling up! This two-day event is only available to current Mayors and takes place February 29th - March 1st in Annapolis. The event is packed with educational sessions, networking opportunities, and policy discussions with Maryland General Assembly leaders.
Registration closes on Sunday, February 4, please confirm your place and book accommodations today: visit us online.
The Maryland Municipal League and the City of Annapolis are excited to bring together stakeholders for the 2024 Opening Day Legislative Reception taking place Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Governor Calvert House in downtown Annapolis.
We had a 1,500+ crowd in 2023, so please save the date on your calendar. Sponsorship opportunities are available, both for member cities and organizations. For more information, please contact Felicia Banuelos at [email protected] or Jane Bachman at [email protected].
Missed the chance to sit in during the recent Ethics Webinar? You can now watch the recording of the Ethics: Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts Webinar featuring guest speaker Todd Turner, Executive Director of Prince George's County Office of Ethics and Accountability on the MML YouTube channel.
Please be sure to check our Year-At-A-Glance to stay up to date on the League's upcoming webinars, conferences, and events.
MML's summer conference is the largest single event dedicated to the training and professional development of Maryland's municipal officials. Lock in the dates: June 23-26, 2024 and get ready for one of our best summer conferences.
New features:
The League's longest running ambassador program, "If I were Mayor...I Would" is back. The program is designed to help Maryland's fourth graders grasp an understanding of municipal government and the role of a mayor. Each year, nearly 3,000 essays are submitted by students, describing how they would make their town/city/community a better place to live.
Join the Engagement and Outreach Committee during our virtual reading session on March 19. The essays are short, fun and insightful. Witness the great minds of Maryland's future community leaders during the virtual reading session by volunteering.
2024 “If I Were Mayor, I Would…" Essay Contest Materials Now Available
MML’s annual “If I Were Mayor, I Would…" essay contest is the League's oldest ambassador program. The 24-year-old contest educates fourth graders (and teachers) about municipal government and the role of the mayor. The 2024 essay contest information has been mailed to all municipalities and is available on MML’s website. Contest information will be mailed to schools in early January.
MML’s priority legislation, SB 14, to allow municipalities to self-designate Tourism Zones will be heard in the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on Thursday, January 18.
Modeled off a successful program in Virginia, this MML priority bill would authorize local governments to provide an array of local tax credits or waivers to businesses that aid in expanding tourism. This program would not only bolster the ability of jurisdictions to attract and retain community-oriented businesses, especially for those that lack access to other incentive programs, but to directly expand the State’s general revenue fund and attract new visitors to Maryland.
