William Frederick Broening holds a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He began his public service career in the late 1890s, serving on the Baltimore City Council and later in the Maryland House of Delegates. Broening was elected Baltimore State's Attorney in 1911 and reelected in 1915. He transitioned to the mayoral office in 1919, serving two non-consecutive terms, and was active in various fraternal societies.

William Frederick Broening's political career reveals an intriguing blend of municipal pragmatism and ideological fluidity, as evidenced by his unexpected legislative alliances and tenure in various local offices. His involvement in fraternal societies suggests a deep-rooted community engagement, which may inform his localized policy approach. Despite lacking explicit policy details, Broening's strategic shifts and repeated electoral success hint at a highly adaptive political style.