Program Description

  Intergovernmental Relations

The Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR) advocates on behalf of the County before the Maryland General Assembly, Governor, and State administrative agencies, task forces, and committees. It responds to legislation, regulations, or other policy issues involving nearby counties and states, municipalities within the County, regional agencies, the District of Columbia, and the Federal government. Staff analyzes and evaluates legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and prepares written comments and testimony. Staff also analyzes County department requests for legislation and participates in the drafting of legislation or amendments. OIR serves as the liaison to the County's Congressional delegation which is represented by three House members and two Senators serving on key authorization and appropriations committees. Staff works collaboratively with County departments and Council on developing policy priorities and project requests for Federal discretionary funding that could be advanced as earmarks by the Congressional delegation in annual appropriations bills. OIR also advocates on Federal policies and legislation of interest to the County and pursues opportunities for Congressional delegation support for Federal grant funding sought by County departments.