How Maryland Counties Are Governed

Maryland's 23 counties + Baltimore City operate under home rule charters (most) or code home rule / commissioner forms. Typical structure:

Executive Branch

• County Executive: Elected 4-year term (partisan). Chief administrative officer: budget, appointments, veto, policy implementation. (Not in commissioner counties.)

Legislative Branch

• County Council: 5–11 members (varies by charter), elected 4-year terms (often staggered). Enacts ordinances, approves budget, sets tax rates, confirms appointments, oversight.

Other Key Offices (Often Elected)

• State's Attorney (prosecutor)
• Sheriff
• Clerk of Circuit Court
• Register of Wills
• Orphans' Court Judges (probate)

Baltimore City

Independent city (not in a county); Mayor (executive) + City Council (legislative); similar powers.

Accountability

Voters can recall officials (charter-dependent); all subject to state ethics, open meetings, public information laws.