Mayor's Office Mayor's Office

Mayor Travis Marion is the 16th elected Mayor of the Town of Rising Sun. First elected in 2012 at the age of 24, he became the youngest mayor in the Town’s history. Now serving his fourth term, he is also the longest-serving mayor in Rising Sun’s history.

Throughout his time in office, Mayor Marion has remained focused on preserving the character of Rising Sun while positioning the community for a strong and sustainable future. His approach to local government is centered on accessibility, collaboration and transparency, with an emphasis on delivering effective services and ensuring residents have a voice in their community.

Under his leadership, Rising Sun has made significant investments in economic development, infrastructure, public safety, parks and community spaces. Mayor Marion has championed efforts to revitalize the downtown business district, attract new businesses and investment, support local entrepreneurs and strengthen partnerships with county and state leaders. These efforts helped earn Rising Sun the Outstanding Community Development Award from the Maryland Rural Council for the rebirth of its downtown business community.

Mayor Marion has also worked to build relationships beyond Rising Sun and ensure that small towns and rural communities have a strong voice throughout Maryland. He currently serves as President-Elect of the Maryland Municipal League, working alongside municipal leaders from across the state to advocate for Maryland’s cities and towns. He previously served as President of the Maryland Mayors Association.

His public service has also included appointments at the state level. Mayor Marion currently serves on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and has previously served on Maryland’s Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and the Maryland Open Data Council.

From supporting local businesses and strengthening public safety to engaging with students and advocating for rural communities, Mayor Marion believes the most important part of public service is being present, listening and bringing people together to get things done.

His commitment to the community has also been recognized by local residents, with readers of the Cecil Whig naming him their Favorite Elected Official for nine consecutive years.

For Mayor Marion, Rising Sun is more than the community he serves—it is home.

Under Section C-13 of the Town Charter, the Mayor serves as the official face and representative of the Town of Rising Sun and presides over meetings of the Board of Commissioners.

The Mayor is responsible for communicating the message, mission and direction of the Board of Commissioners to residents, community organizations and other government agencies. The office is charged with representing Rising Sun in a positive, professional and courteous manner while promoting the common good of the community and upholding the laws, policies and ordinances of the Town.

The Mayor works with the Board of Commissioners to facilitate their efforts and the work of their respective departments, assists in the coordination and development of meeting agendas and programs, and may bring issues of concern before the Board. The Mayor may also introduce policy recommendations and program initiatives for consideration by the Board of Commissioners.

As part of the Town's system of government, the Mayor may participate in all discussions of the Board of Commissioners but does not ordinarily vote. The Mayor may cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie, except on motions directly involving the Mayor.

The Mayor may also call special meetings of the Board of Commissioners, request financial statements from Town officers entrusted with public funds, ensure that Town ordinances are faithfully executed, and report to the Board on the general state of the Town.

Above all, the Town Charter entrusts the Mayor with serving as the face of Town government, exercising good stewardship and representing Rising Sun and its residents with professionalism and pride.

For the complete powers, conduct and duties of the Mayor, please refer to Section C-13 of the Charter of the Town of Rising Sun.