It's that time of year again, legislative action requests (LARs) to be considered for MML priority legislation in the 2027 Maryland General Assembly session are now being accepted! All member municipalities and MML affiliate groups in good standing are eligible to submit up to three LARs (form). Submissions should be focused on a policy area that would impact the broader membership and requires a fix through a change in State law. 

The deadline to return a completed LAR form is May 31 by the end of the day. Additionally, it is required that each LAR submission has the approval of the elected body of the municipality or the full MML affiliate membership. The deadline to inform MML of this approval is July 1, 2026 by the end of the day. For any questions, please contact Bill Jorch, [email protected]

Sine Die is days away!

Join us, April 28 at noon,  for the 2026 Legislative Session Wrap-up webinar focusing on reviewing key policy developments, discuss the outcomes of major legislation, and explore what these decisions mean for our communities, stakeholders, and future advocacy efforts. It will also serve as a space to ask questions to the Advocacy team regarding any policy, bills, future efforts, and next steps.

• The Goal: To evaluate and modernize the "fiscal toolbox" of local governments.
• The Focus: The task force will study current revenue sources, explore new options used in other states, and assess the impact of potential changes on the cost of living and overall affordability for residents.

1. Governor’s Signature: The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for a formal signature.
2. Effective Date: Once signed, the Act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
3. Task Force Convening: The newly created body will formally convene shortly after the effective date to begin its study.  

A final report of findings and recommendations is due to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.

Join us on Tuesday, June 16, as we celebrate Maryland's municipalities and the staff who support them. Municipal Tuesday offers a full conference experience in a single day with multiple ways for staff to attend at an exclusive rate. It's the most cost-effective way for municipal professionals to attend our conference.

The day consists of:

Join us on Sunday, June 14, as we kick off the Summer Conference Welcome Reception with Nashville sensation and Ocean City native Jimmy Charles.

With early-bird rates now closed, it’s time to get everything squared away. 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 Partner, 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.

11 more weeks until we're in Ocean City to celebrate 90 years of local leadership! Until then, prepare yourself for #MMLCon26 by marking these key dates on your calendars

How much funding is available

There is just under $1B total available ($993M) this year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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]

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.

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.

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.