Marylanders invited to provide feedback and recommendations on key agency efforts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (TIP): The Office of the Comptroller is launching its application process for new members to join one of its nine public Advisory Councils for the 2026 through 2028 calendar years. The agency first launched its advisory councils in 2023 to provide opportunities for members of the public to advise the agency and make recommendations on its strategic direction. This was a key recommendation of the Comptroller’s Transition Team, which encouraged the Comptroller to help strengthen connections between the Comptroller and community.

“I’m grateful to our current advisory council members for their dedication, leadership, and willingness to assist our agency as we work to build a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Maryland,” Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman said. “The partnership of our advisory councils is invaluable, and I look forward to expanding on what we’ve built by incorporating the perspectives and experiences of more engaged Marylanders.”

The agency will host webinars on July 22 and July 23 for interested applicants to learn more about the role of advisory councils. Applications will be released in early August. Current advisory council members have the option to serve on a second team and are also encouraged to apply.

Each advisory council meets quarterly, and members serve two-year terms. The advisory councils seeking new members are:

Business Advisory Council which includes industry representatives and prominent members of Maryland’s business community, including small-, minority-, and women business owners, who help to advise the agency on priority and emerging issues and challenges facing the business community, as well as provide perspective on the state of Maryland’s economy.

Climate Advisory Council which is charged with helping the Comptroller to position Maryland as a national leader on climate sustainability. The Council supports and reviews the Comptroller’s development of a climate sustainability plan that includes tools and strategies for measuring the climate impact of state contracts and spending, investments, and economic and fiscal policies.

Faith Leaders Advisory Council which is charged with helping the Comptroller’s Office develop partnerships with Maryland’s faith community to ensure that organizations of all denominations have access to agency resources.

Financial Literacy Advisory Council which is charged with helping to support the development of a robust financial literacy agenda that positions the Comptroller of Maryland as a go-to, state-wide resource.

Labor Advisory Council which is charged with providing a venue for the Comptroller of Maryland to share information about new ideas and initiatives and solicit feedback on legislative and policy proposals that best serve the working people of the state.

Local Government Advisory Council which is charged with sharing information about relevant updates in their counties/jurisdictions while also elevating areas of concern and opportunities for partnership.

New Americans Advisory Council which works closely with the Comptroller of Maryland to improve the quality of services delivered by the agency and address gaps in services provided to new Americans in the state.  They also advise the agency on emerging topics/issues within the new American community and identify partnership opportunities throughout the state.

Tax Practitioners Advisory Council which is charged with advising the Comptroller of Maryland on tax industry challenges and provides feedback on proposals and new initiatives to improve the quality of services provided to Maryland taxpayers and ensure industry accountability.

Women’s Economic Empowerment Council which is charged with advising the Comptroller of Maryland on financial challenges facing women in Maryland and potential opportunities to strengthen and promote women’s financial resilience – through financial education, addressing financial abuse (in domestic violence for instance), in starting and growing businesses, and improving access to state resources, contracts, and grants.

The agency released the Comptroller of Maryland Advisory Councils and Workgroups 2024 report in May, which summarized the progress and recommendations made by current advisory council members since Comptroller Lierman took office in 2023.

Interested individuals can register for the July 22 or July 23 webinar here. Questions about the application process can be sent to: advisorycouncils@marylandtaxes.gov.