Legislative Analyst

City of Midland, TX; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Midland is seeking a Legislative Analyst to monitor state and federal legislation, track committee hearings, and research issues that may affect City operations, services, finances, or residents.

You will prepare summaries and reports for City staff and leadership, work with City departments to gather information, and help identify how proposed laws may impact operations. Bachelor’s degree preferred; no prior legislative experience required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, or related field.
• No legislative experience required; relevant internships or coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

• Track proposed state and federal legislation affecting the City.
• Monitor committee hearings and summarize important discussions.
• Research policy issues and prepare short summaries and reports.
• Maintain organized records of legislative research and City positions.
• Assist departments in understanding potential impacts of proposed laws.

Skills

Researching information

Organizing information

Reading & summarizing

Writing clear reports

Office software

Managing deadlines

Verbal & written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

The Legislative Analyst assists the City with monitoring and tracking legislation and policy issues at the state and federal levels. This position follows proposed legislation, watches legislative committee hearings, researches issues that may affect the City, and prepares summaries and reports for City staff and leadership. The Legislative Analyst works with City departments to gather information and help identify how proposed laws or policies may affect City operations, services, finances, or residents.

Strategic Alignment:

The Legislative Analyst supports the City’s strategic priorities by monitoring state and federal legislation that may impact City operations, finances, services, and the community. Through research, analysis, and timely communication, this position helps City leadership anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that support the City’s long-term goals and effective governance.

• Track proposed state and federal legislation that may affect the City.
• Maintain and update a list or database of legislation being monitored by the City.
• Review bills, amendments, committee notices, and other legislative information.
• Watch or attend legislative committee hearings and provide summaries of important discussions and actions.
• Research legislative and policy issues as assigned.
• Prepare short bill summaries, reports, updates, and briefing materials for City staff and leadership.
• Identify legislation that may have an operational, financial, or policy impact on the City.
• Work with City departments to gather information about how proposed legislation may affect their operations.
• Assist with evaluating whether legislation may benefit or negatively impact the City.
• Provide information to supervisors to assist with recommendations and decisions regarding legislative matters.
• Monitor legislative deadlines, hearings, and important dates.
• Assist in preparing talking points, presentations, and other materials related to legislative issues.
• Maintain organized records of legislative research, reports, and City positions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of government and the legislative process.
• Research and report-writing methods.
• General office practices and computer software.
• Basic principles of local government and public administration.

Skill in:

• Researching and organizing information.
• Reading and summarizing written materials.
• Writing clear and concise reports.
• Using spreadsheets, databases, and standard office software.
• Managing multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Learn state and federal legislative processes.
• Read and understand proposed legislation and policy documents.
• Identify important information and summarize it clearly.
• Work independently with general supervision.
• Pay close attention to details.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Work with employees from different City departments.
• Handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
• Remain professional and objective when reviewing legislative and policy issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, Business Administration, Communications, Economics, or a related field.

Experience:

No previous legislative experience required.

Relevant internship, college coursework, volunteer experience, or work experience in government, public policy, research, administration, or a related field is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

During legislative sessions, the position may occasionally require additional hours to monitor committee hearings, deadlines, or other legislative activity.

Occasional travel to legislative hearings, meetings, or conferences may be required.

Key Expectations

The Legislative Analyst is expected to:

• Keep legislative tracking information accurate and current.
• Provide clear and timely summaries of important legislative activity.
• Conduct reliable research.
• Identify issues that may require additional review by City leadership.
• Support City staff in understanding how proposed legislation may affect City operations.
• Develop knowledge of municipal government and the legislative process over time.