This year’s fourth grade "If I Were Mayor, I Would..." essay contest winners captured the volunteer readers and finalist judges’ attention with their dynamic essays.

Thank you to our volunteer readers, who were so impressed by the essays they would sometimes forget the ideas were from fourth graders.

We have some incredible momentum to share. Thanks to your collective advocacy and outreach, the push for HB 1142 is working. We are pleased to report that the House of Delegates has passed the bill in time for the crossover deadline. This is a massive step toward modernizing municipal revenue and ensuring our cities and towns have the fiscal tools they need for the future.

We owe a huge thank you to Chair Jheanelle Wilkins and the members of the House of Delegates for their leadership and for recognizing the urgency of this issue.

One of the Governor’s priority housing bills, the Starter and Silver Homes Act (SB 36 / HB 239), appears unlikely to advance this session following the crossover deadline. The bill would have significantly limited local zoning authority by prohibiting jurisdictions from establishing certain minimum lot size, setback, and dimensional standards for single-family homes, overriding locally adopted development frameworks in areas served by public water and sewer.

Neither version of the bill moved out of committee prior to crossover. House Bill 239 was not approved by the House Economic Matters Committee, and Senate Bill 36 did not receive a vote in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, as committees instead prioritized other housing legislation this session.

Check out two great summer camps for high school seniors or rising seniors provided by the Maryland Forestry Foundation. Apply today, most all expenses are covered by grants or scholarships from your local Forestry Boards.

The Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC)

Whether you're a seasoned veteran registering for the conference or it's your first time, navigating conference registration can be easier with a little extra support.

Our Attendee Support Partners, Conference Direct, is here to help you with all your registration needs. From modifying your registration to confirming details about the conference, they'll be here to assist you every step of the way.

87 days and counting. Prepare yourself for #MMLCon26 by marking these key dates on your calendars

Our featured Bay Stage brings national voices to MMLCon. Hear from talented national speakers as they cover everything from personal development to building programs in your municipality that will empower residents to play an essential role in your city's health.

The American Rescue Plan Act's (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program was a historic investment in communities. It provided direct funding to cities, towns and villages to help communities weather and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. On its 5-year anniversary, the National League of Cities (NLC) has published a report looking back on the wide-ranging impact SLFRF has had on communities and how federal funding dollars can be administered in the future to prioritize both efficiency and federal oversight. The resource page for the report can be found here and a direct link to the report can be found here.

For more information please contact Bill Jorch, [email protected]

New to registering for a MML Conference? Need a refresher on how to register someone on their behalf?

We are hosting our last Event Registration Office Hour on March 20 from 11 a.m. to noon. You can jump onto the call during that time if you need assistance or have questions as you are registering for the Summer Conference.

Banner City/Town Contenders –  Your Journey to the May 11 Deadline

MML's Banner City/Town Program bestows formal recognition each year to cities and towns that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to MML programs and activities.  The program serves as a guidepost on how to make the most of your MML membership.

Last week, MML staff testified in opposition to HB 831, legislation that would allow all local government employees to participate in a union and collectively bargain. Currently, local governments may allow certain groups of employees (ex. law enforcement, public works) to unionize and collectively bargain but it is at the employer's discretion. The employer can also set the parameters around the negotiations including what types of compensation and benefits are eligible to be negotiated and how an impasse in discussions is resolved. This bill would turn the current arrangement on its head. MML noted the direct fiscal costs associated with increased negotiated compensation and the administrative burden of detailed negotiations and managing potentially multiple contracts as reasons for opposition to the bill.

The Senate cross-file, SB 922 has its public bill hearing on March 12. For more information please contact Bill Jorch, [email protected].

As we celebrate 90 years of the League, now is your moment to step forward as a leader. Serving in a leadership capacity is your chance to make a real difference, lift up our municipal community, and leave a lasting impact. Your voice and public service matter - help shape the next chapter of the League’s story and make this milestone year one to remember.

Ever wondered what it takes to serve on the MML Board of Directors? Join our Lunch and Learn member webinar, The Path to President, as our leadership share their personal experiences and what it means to help lead Maryland’s municipalities. Get inspired. Get informed. Get involved.

New to registering for a MML Conference? Need a refresher on how to register someone on their behalf?

Is your city or town anticipating a sizable turnover in elected officials this spring? Would they benefit from engaging in a facilitated team-building dialogue, discussion of roles and responsibilities, as well as a goal-setting exercise to get everyone on the same page?  The Maryland Municipal League has helped more than a dozen member municipalities get their newly elected officials’ terms off to a productive and collaborative start. Standard retreats are five hours long with a facilitation fee of $2,500 for members with populations of 10,000 or less and $4,000 for those with more than 10,000 residents. For more information, contact MML Director of Leadership Development and retreat facilitator Tom Reynolds at [email protected].

Every summer, something special happens in Ocean City.

The League's Speakers Bureau links leadership teams with experienced professionals in municipal operations, nonprofit management, leadership development, and strategic planning. Our speakers share practical, real-world insights designed to strengthen organizational capacity, enhance operations, and encourage innovative thinking.

Interested in having MML leadership speak at your event? Fill out the form on the Speaker Bureau's webpage to let us know!