The City of Laurel is proud to announce the completion of its inaugural Sustainability Plan, developed through a year-long community-driven process. This plan will serve as a living roadmap to creating a more Sustainable Laurel, for all!
We are excited to invite the community to our upcoming Sustainability Plan Launch Party. At this event you will learn about the Plan and how it was created by and for Laurel residents. In partnership with the City, residents and community members who participated in focus groups and outreach initiatives played an integral role in Plan development. The Plan focuses on four essential Sustainability pillars: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace and Partnership.
The inaugural Plan reflects community input and collaboration in both its creation and in its implementation. It outlines strategies that the City of Laurel Government and community will pursue together to create a more sustainable Laurel. On November 21, 2024, the City of Laurel hosted the Maryland Department of Environment Secretary to showcase sustainable initiatives already happening in Laurel. Her remarks capture the importance of Laurel’s Plan:
“As you all know, we (Maryland) have the most aggressive climate goals in the country. We are seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 60% by 2031. That is not easy to do. So, we're going to have to really rely on cities and counties and municipalities and everybody, all of us businesses, to make it happen. Otherwise, it's not going to happen. So, when cities like yours (City of Laurel) step up and start thinking creatively and innovatively and using your ingenuity to come up with ways to make it happen, we are so grateful. Every little step matters. You all are setting the example for Maryland.” Serena C. McIlwain, Secretary of the Environment, MDE
We invite you to reflect on and be part of this milestone by attending the Launch Party on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center. RSVP is encouraged but not required. To RSVP, please visit: http://cityoflaurel.org/splp. For additional questions, accessibility accommodations, or information in languages other than English to participate, please contact Michele Blair, Sustainability Manager, (301) 725-5300 or GreenLiving@laurel.md.us.