Moore-Miller Administration Announces Over $700,000 to Help Local Towns Hire Management Experts

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (November 12, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced that seven local programs will receive a total of $707,728 in Fiscal Year 2027 awards through the Town Manager Circuit Rider Program. The program supports small towns in hiring professional staff to manage everyday community needs such as recordkeeping, community planning and town operations.

“Small towns often don’t have the staff or budget to hire the expert help they need,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The Circuit Rider program fills that gap by sending skilled managers to travel between nearby towns. These experts serve as project coordinators, grant writers, and downtown managers who work directly with local governments. From Western Maryland to the Capital Region and the Eastern Shore, this funding provides real support right where small communities need it most.”

Created in 1995, the Circuit Rider program helps towns with 5,000 or fewer residents hire experienced administrative staff to handle important tasks for local governments. They update town laws, keep official records, and answer questions from the public. They also write grant applications for local projects, oversee water and sewer systems, and help plan long-term improvements for downtown areas and local neighborhoods.

Many small and rural communities lack the resources to hire a full-time manager. Through the Circuit Rider model, experienced professionals serve multiple neighboring communities, providing part-time management and technical expertise. The program allows local governments and nonprofit organizations to partner on grant applications and share the services of a Circuit Rider, making these critical resources more accessible and affordable.

The Fiscal Year 2027 award round will support a total of 37 jurisdictions across 11 Maryland counties. Grants last for one year, after which local programs can apply again for new funding. The Department will also provide $42,272 to support professional development and technical assistance for participating circuits.

For more information on the Department’s Town Manager Circuit Rider Program and other programs that support local revitalization and community development, visit our website.

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CONTACT

Allison Foster, Director of Communications | allison.foster@maryland.gov