Legislative Analyst

City of Midland; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Midland is seeking a Legislative Analyst to monitor state and federal legislation, track committee activities, and prepare concise summaries for City staff and leadership.

The role involves researching policy issues, updating legislative databases, and coordinating with City departments to evaluate how proposed laws may affect operations, finances, or residents. Strong writing and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• No previous legislative experience required; internship, coursework, or related work acceptable.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Track proposed state and federal legislation affecting the City.
• Maintain a database of legislation monitored by the City.
• Review bills, amendments, notices, and other legislative information.
• Watch or attend hearings and provide summaries of discussions and actions.
• Prepare summaries, reports, updates, and briefing materials for staff and leadership.
• Identify legislation with operational, financial, or policy impact on the City.
• Assist with evaluating whether legislation may benefit or harm City operations.

Skills

Research

Summarization

Report writing

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree (Political Science/Public Administration/Public Policy/Government)

Tools

Excel

Databases

Office software

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.