The ways that state and local governments influence our daily lives in Maryland are both prosaic and profound. From taxes to schools, street cleaning to dog licenses, there is very little that isn’t shaped or at least influenced by our various levels of government.
In this list, we offer the 40 men and women we believe are the most powerful figures in Maryland’s local and state governments.
Some of these individuals are well known, from the governor and top legislative leaders to mayors and county executives. But some on our list work very much behind the scenes, as lobbyists and representatives of industry, business and labor groups or as advocates for various public interests and causes. While they hold no office, they can play a powerful role in shaping local and state laws and policies.
This group was chosen by our editorial leadership team. We reached out to readers and others for suggestions and perspective.
