Advocacy and Public Policy Contract

Maryland Municipal League

December 2026 – April 2027

Position Overview

The Maryland Municipal League (MML) is seeking to support its Advocacy and Public Policy team during the 2027 Maryland General Assembly session. This is a paid, contract position offering the opportunity to work directly within the legislative process while gaining hands-on experience in statutory research, legislative analysis, public policy and local government law.

MML represents Maryland's municipal governments before the General Assembly, Executive Branch, and other state and federal policymakers. During the legislative session, the League reviews and tracks legislation affecting municipalities, develops policy positions, prepares testimony and educational materials, responds to legislative and agency inquiries, and works directly with municipal officials and state policymakers.

This position will become an active member of that team during one of the most dynamic periods of MML's annual advocacy work. A likely strong emphasis on environment proposals inclusive of clean energy, public utilities, and climate will be the focus for this role.

Primary Responsibilities

Working under the direction of MML's Advocacy and Public Policy team, you will:

• Research and analyze legislation introduced during the Maryland General Assembly session for potential legal, fiscal, operational, and policy impacts on municipal governments as assigned.
• Review proposed statutory language and assist staff in identifying relevant provisions, existing law, amendments, and potential unintended consequences.
• Conduct legal and policy research on issues affecting Maryland municipalities and local government authority.
• Assist with the preparation of legislative testimony, bill analyses, policy briefs, talking points, fact sheets, and background materials.
• Support the development of presentations and briefing materials for the League’s legislative committee.
• Assist MML staff in responding to Department of Legislative Services fiscal note requests, including gathering information from municipalities, researching potential fiscal impacts, organizing responses, and helping prepare accurate and timely submissions.
• Research legislative history, Maryland statutes, regulations, Attorney General opinions, court decisions, and other relevant authorities as needed.
• Monitor assigned legislation throughout the legislative process, including amendments, committee activity, hearings, and changes in bill status.
• Attend legislative hearings, briefings, stakeholder meetings, and other General Assembly activities as assigned.
• Help translate complex legislative and legal issues into clear, concise information that can be used by municipal officials and policymakers alike.
• Assist the Advocacy team with special projects throughout the session.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a demonstrated interest in state and local government, legislation, public policy, administrative law, public finance, or public service.
• Possess strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Be able to read and interpret statutory and legislative language.
• Write clearly and concisely for both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Be highly organized and comfortable managing multiple assignments under short legislative deadlines.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Be comfortable interacting with elected officials, municipal professionals, attorneys, legislative staff, and other public-policy stakeholders.
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of Maryland government or previous legislative experience is helpful but not required.

Schedule and Term

Term: December 2026 through April 2027

Status: Paid contract position; also open to law school interns seeking credits

Location: Annapolis, Maryland, with in-person availability expected during portions of the Maryland General Assembly session and virtual flexibility

December will primarily focus on orientation, municipal government education, research, legislative preparation, and Advocacy team planning. Responsibilities will increase with the opening of the General Assembly in January and continue through session conclusion and post-session analysis in April.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Experience the Maryland legislative process firsthand.
• Analyze actual legislation and proposed amendments.
• Work directly with an association representing local governments across Maryland.
• Develop legislative and legal research skills.
• Learn how legislation affects government operations and public finance.
• Participate in policy development and advocacy strategy.
• Gain exposure to mayors, councilmembers, municipal managers, attorneys, state legislators, legislative staff, and Executive Branch officials.
• Build experience at the intersection of law, government, public policy, and advocacy.

About the Maryland Municipal League

The Maryland Municipal League is the statewide association representing Maryland's incorporated cities and towns. MML advocates for strong, effective municipal government and provides advocacy, education, research, training, and services to Maryland's municipal leaders.

Our Advocacy and Public Policy team works throughout the year—and intensively during Maryland's annual legislative session—to ensure that the municipal perspective is represented in state policy decisions affecting Maryland's communities and residents.

This is a temporary, paid contract position and does not include benefits.