∞

Happy Juneteenth + City Festival *this* Sat, Jun 21

June 19 is celebrated annually to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States, marked on the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War.

The City will be recognizing the date by holding a flag raising today at noon at the Municipal Center and with a wonderful festival this Saturday, June 21 at Granville Gude Park from 3 to 7 p.m. – There’ll be live music, cultural exhibitions, amazing vendors, kids activities, and more. I went last year with my then-four-year-old and he really had a great time on a moon bounce, got coloring pages with Juneteenth themed images and a crayon box, and there was lots of great food!

So come on out and help celebrate this important day in American history and meet neighbors from around Laurel doing the same! 😀

∞

My Update in the Laurel Living Newsletter, June 2025

Below is my report to residents in the latest edition of the Laurel Living newsletter published by the City – Some of the topics I cover:

  • My legislative work over these past two months
  • A shout-out to the Laurel Historical Society reaching a milestone
  • Congratulations to two new Eagle Scouts
  • Information on changes to City pool hours
  • And some around town tips!

Hope you enjoy, and also feel free to check out a PDF version of my report and the PDF version for the entire edition.

∞

Changes to 4th of July Parade Route + Registration

This year, the City has updated the 4th of July Parade to start at 4th Street and Marshall Avenue (instead of the Municipal Center), proceed south along 4th Street, and disperse near Cherry Lane (similar ending spot).

The organizing committee had been considering modifications over the last few years as temperatures in early July have been particularly hot, impacting parade participants and those working the event. This was also part of the shift to start the parade mid-afternoon at 3 p.m. (versus 11 a.m.).

Relatedly: Please consider registering your community group to participate in the parade! – It always adds so much to the parade to see all the different groups from around town featured and to appreciate all the wonderful organizations we have in Laurel! From dancing troupes to hobby groups (like radio controlled cars), from churches to Scout units, from sports leagues to motorcycle clubs, from non-profits to small businesses, and the list goes on – Come on out: you’ll have a blast in the parade, you can attract new members, and let’s show everyone our hometown pride! :)

Quick timeline for the festivities on Saturday, July 5:

  • 3 p.m. Parade begins
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Family Fun games at Gude Park
  • 4 p.m. Flag raising at Gude Park flag pole
  • 5:15 p.m. Music concert starts at Gude Park stage
  • 8:45 p.m. Welcome program at Gude Park stage
  • 9:15 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fireworks set off from the Laurel Lakes area

(More details available from the 4th of July website.)

So mark down on your calendar, register your group, and join this annual hometown tradition that is always so much fun! – And a huge thank you to the 4th of July Committee for all their hard work: please consider volunteering to join them as they are in need of extra hands both small or large. :)

∞

Utility Price Increases start Jun 1 + Temporary Refund

BGE recently reached out to the City to share information around rate increases residents are expected to experience starting June 1 – For the average combined gas & electric customer, they estimated the increase would be around a $39/mo difference.

Based on their information, these latest increases are not actually held onto by BGE, but are a direct ‘passing on’ of increased Supply Rates (based on market rate auctions held earlier this year) and an increased Transmission Reliability fee (based on a legal agreement keeping two older plants open while new ones are built out).

As a general note, I’ve been tracking Maryland’s energy situation with increased focus since last year, and to be honest, it’s not rosy. It was a very hotly contested issue during the Maryland Legislative Session earlier this year, and Maryland is facing the combined pressures of: (a) an increased demand due to expanding electrification, and (b) decreasing supply due to retirement of older energy producing facilities. As a result, we’re having to ‘import’ more of our energy (read: >50%) and the price of that energy is also steadily rising. While various ideas and solutions are being floated (including new nuclear), there’s no quick answers in sight since things that big take time to shift. This may be an issue you’d also want to track as a Maryland resident in order to provide feedback to our state legislators.

In the meantime, a few tips:

  1. One of the Maryland laws passed this year was to provide an $80 utility refund, broken down into two $40 pieces, one in the summer and one in the winter. So be on the look out for that.

  2. BGE also points out its: (a) “budget billing” option (to smooth utility bills over course of a year to avoid shock of one month), (b) “payment arrangement” option to setup a payment plan, and (c) “due date extension” option to give yourself a little more time.

  3. Additionally, there are state programs, the Fuel Fund of Maryland, and other assistance programs that you could qualify for – Visiting their Assistance Finder may help you locate a benefit that may work for you.

UPDATE 13 Jun 2025: Exelon (the parent company of BGE & Pepco) will distribute $19 million to help its low- and middle-income customers in Maryland pay their bills. Applications for the relief can be made starting July 1 via BGE’s Customer Relief Fund page and additional info can be found via this related Maryland Matters' article.

∞

Info for City Council Meeting - 6 Jun 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk

  3. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  4. Mayoral Appointment: Gabriella Alonso Arts Council 06/09/2025-06/09/2028

  5. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2038 - An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  6. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 6-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Adopting the 2025 City of Laurel Sustainability Plan

  7. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 3 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  8. Bid Recommendation- LA 25-009- Stanley Place Road Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  9. Bid Recommendation- Purchase of Ammunition- Laurel Police Department

  10. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

MD Black Chamber Meetup / Crepes on Main Launch / Memorial Day Service - Highlights & Pics

»Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce Small Business Mixer«

It was a great pleasure to be part of extending a warm Laurel welcome to the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) as they held their small business mixer at Caribe Express on Main Street on May 22. I had a chance to meet Chamber President Kenneth White (a resident of Laurel) who hopes to see the MBCC do additional events in Laurel as well. He shared with me about the free educational resources available to business owners through the MBCC (like how to use AI in your business, making sense of your business finances, etc.) plus the strong financial partners that help bring entrepreneurs’ vision to life (like FSC First). I let him know how excited I was to see MBCC help the small businesses of Laurel (one of my personal passions), and it was also another testament to me about the many talented people we have here in our town! Check out MBCC website linked above to become a member.

(Photo credit: MBCC)

»”Crepes on Main” Ribbon-Cutting«

In an almost perfect coincidence, the next day I joined with the City and community to celebrate the opening of another new great food spot Main Street: Crepes on Main. Small business owner Remi Bello shared how she and her husband had a favorite crepe spot in Baltimore which inspired her to one day open her own, and we swapped stories about the great crepes spot we’d both visited in Annapolis. Well Laurel: We now have one of our own! :) – If you haven’t tried crepes before, they’re loosely like super thin pancakes, but inside you can put all types of goodies: anything from sweet tastes of chocolate and fruit, to savory tastes like shrimp and Thai sauce. I was honored to eat the first crepe off the line which I thoroughly enjoyed! So no matter your taste buds, you’re sure to find something to love at Crepes on Main, so come on down to Main Street and check them out for the Grand Opening on July 4th or after!

Auto-generated description: A group of people are celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a building. (Photo credit: City of Laurel)

»52nd Annual Memorial Day Joint Service at Ivy Hill Cemetery«

As I’ve gone on in years, I’ve worked to make a special effort to pause and reflect on Memorial Day – Sure, it’s day to look forward to as a long weekend and for cookouts with family and friends. But remembering what the day is about, those whose lives were lost to preserve and protect the unique freedoms we can so easily forget, precious freedoms only purchased by those willing to pay the highest price. The morning’s reflection were emceed by Mr. Robert DiPietro, past Mayor of Laurel and emcee of the event for 51 of the 52 years its been held here in Laurel. He alluded that it was time for him to pass the torch, and our thanks to him, Laurel Volunteer Fire, Laurel Volunteer Rescue, Laurel Police, and the American Legion for helping us pay tribute and bring honor each year in such a fitting way.

∞

Info for City Council Work Session - 4 Jun 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. (Note: Work Sessions don’t generally have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting.)

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Resolution No. 6-2025 - A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Adopting the 2025 City of Laurel Sustainability Plan

  3. Bid Recommendation - Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 3 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  4. Bid Recommendation - LA 25-009- Stanley Place Road Improvement Project- Department of Public Works

  5. Bid Recommendation - Purchase of Ammunition- Laurel Police Department

  6. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

Kids Bike Parade this Wed, Jun 4

A perennial favorite, this Wednesday you’ll want to be sure not to miss Laurel’s Kids Bike Parade co-sponsored by Parks & Rec + Laurel Police.

There’ll be decorations available for elementary-aged children to be-dazzle their bike or scooter, then navigate a basic obstacle course, followed by a mini-parade along a stretch of Montgomery Street, and capped off by some yummy ice cream!

So come on out to the Laurel Armory at 422 Montgomery Street starting at 6 p.m., bring your wheels + helmet, and have some great summer fun! :)

Auto-generated description: A poster advertises a Bike Parade event for elementary-aged children, requiring helmets, bikes or scooters, and a good attitude, happening on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00 PM at Laurel Armory, with free admission and no registration needed.
∞

Info for Special Work Session & City Council Meeting - 28 May 2025

Wednesday, May 28 is another double-header for Council, containing both (a) another Work Session at 5 p.m. (to continue working on the election law re-write), plus (b) the regularly scheduled Council Meeting at 6 p.m. Both will be held in-person at the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 8103 Sandy Spring Road.

Note that there’s no “public hearing” (i.e., public comment) component to the Work Session, but there is to the regular Council Meeting. Also, I’ve provided both meeting agendas below separately, so you’ll be able to tell what is happening in which meeting. To sign up to speak, you contact the Clerk in advance at [email protected], and since the meeting is in person, you can also add your name to the sign-up sheet upon arrival.

As usual, see the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12.

AGENDA - ELECTION LAW WORK SESSION

  1. Call to Order - Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Ordinance No. 2038- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  3. Adjournment

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING

  1. Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark

  2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America - Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor

  3. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk

  4. Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2025- Special Work Session; April 28, 2025- Regular Meeting; April 28, 2025- Closed Session; May 1, 2025- Budget Work Session; May 7, 2025- Work Session; May 12, 2025- Budget Work Session; May 12, 2025- Regular Meeting

  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. (If advanced) Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2038 - An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Chapter 6 regarding City Elections

  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2041 - An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  9. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

Joint Memorial Day Service this Sunday, May 25

Memorial Day Weekend is here, a time certainly for family and food, but also an important time to pause and reflect on those who have died while serving in uniform in the protection of our country. If you can, I’d encourage you to join the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel Rescue Squad, American Legion, and Laurel Police Department for a memorial wreath laying at each of the memorials in Ivy Hill Cemetary with a short service to follow. It’ll be a great way join with our community to mark the true meaning of the day.

The wreath laying begins at 10:45 a.m. and additional details can be found in the graphic below. Thank you to all who have served!

Auto-generated description: The flyer is an invitation to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department's 52nd Annual Joint Memorial Day Service on May 25, 2025, with details about the wreath laying and program schedule.
∞

Preakness Preview // City Hall in Park // Main Street Festival - Highlights & Pics

»Preakness Preview Race held at Laurel Park«

Laurel Park race track hosted Preakness Preview on April 19, extending an invitation to Council and Mayor to join in the celebration. It was a pleasure to bring the family along to take in this landmark that’s been a cornerstone of Laurel since 1911, especially since it’s set to be demolished and redeveloped in 2027. At the event, I had the chance to meet the Preakness Festival chief organizer who shared with us plans for next year when the Preakness will be hosted in Laurel. Organizers want to turn the day event into a weeks long event similar to that held at the Kentucky Derby, and I was keen to suggest Laurel small businesses would love to be a part of the preparations once they begin! More to come on that front, but for now keep your eyes turned to PreaknessFestival.com for information as we approach May 2026.

Auto-generated description: A woman with glasses and a young child, who has chocolate on their face, are sitting at a table with plates and watching horse racing at a track.

» City Hall in the Park «

The summer series of “City Hall in the Park” is back, and on April 24 I joined with members of the City team, Council, and the Mayor at Gude Park to connect with neighbors. I was able to talk with at least 5 to 10 individuals to help answer questions, connect them with City resources, and let them know about upcoming summer kids activities too. If you missed this one, they’re being held each month at a different park around town – the next is on Thu, May 22 at Discovery Park and you can also contact me to find out the additional future dates/ locations. This year there’s free food, a DJ providing music, kids activities, and more – So you can bring your little ones for some fun while you get your question answered and/or hear the latest developments for our town.

Auto-generated description: Six people standing outdoors in a line, facing the camera, with trees and a building in the background. (Photo Credit: City of Laurel)

» Main Street Festival «

Despite a rough start, it was so good to see so many smiling faces and vendors out at this year’s Main Street Festival. I saw yummy food (ice cream, fresh rotisserie, funnel cake, & more), crafts (sewing, painted furniture, Laurel-inspired items, & more), non-profits (Laurel Historical Society, Laurel Cats, Women’s Club, Voices of Laurel, & more), kids fun zone, music, and more. I was also able to help welcome Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman to Main Street and guide her around the various booths. In addition, I staffed our City Council table for a couple hours, helping answer resident questions and hand out free stickers and candy. Thank you to the Laurel Board of Trade for all the hard work in putting on this event – it’s a staple of Laurel life and we’re so grateful to kick-off the summer each year celebrating Laurel Main Street with pride!

Auto-generated description: A man taking a selfie at an outdoor event with tents, booths, and people in the background.
∞

Budget Funding for The Laurel Independent Restored

I’m happy to report that, in no small part due to you sharing your voice, the Administration yesterday revised the proposed FY2026 budget to restore funding for The Laurel Independent at a level that will enable them to continue operating this coming year.

Thank you to everyone who replied to the online poll I created to gather your feedback – it was helpful to know resident’s interests first-hand, and also played a role in demonstrating the breadth of community support for the local paper. Thank you also to those who expressed a “no” – I also heard your voice and the good reasons you shared. In my mind, there’s now space to continue exploring the possibilities for our paper and how best to support the connectedness it can foster for our community.

If you’re so inclined, please also consider making a small monthly donation to the paper as part of helping them continue their work.

Thank you again and please don’t hesitate to reach out on this or any other budget items you may have a question on!

∞

Donate toward beautiful Robbins Mural on Main Street

A number of residents have shared with me that they’d love to see more beautiful murals around town – And so it was with great excitement that I caught wind earlier this year that Laurel for the Patuxent was looking to do just such a thing right on Main Street. And while at the Main Street Festival this past weekend, I was able to see first-hand what the mural will look like and some of its background story.

The mural will be on the side wall of the Quick Mart located at 500 Main Street (facing 5th Street) and features famous Laurel resident Chandler Robbins (1918-2017) known the world over as a lover of birds, a dedicated research ornithologist, and a deeply committed bird conservationist.

You can learn more about his life and work on a US Geological Survey tribute page and what a neat way to showcase a unique part of Laurel’s story as well as bring beauty to our streetscape on Main Street.

And YOU can be a part of making this vision happen – Visit Laurel for the Patuxent’s website and click the Donate button towards the mural (or send checks to the listed address) to be part of Laurel’s history. They need to reach $17,820 and are at $3,156, so you can get in on the bottom floor!

Thanks to L4P for undertaking this project to enhance our City and to everyone taking part in whatever way they can – Look forward to seeing this go live in the not-too-distant future! 🎨😀

∞

Seeking your Input on Budget Funding for The Laurel Independent

(UPDATE 13 May 2025: Budget funding was restored for the Independent – See related blog post for additional details.)

I’m seeking your input on the proposed FY2026 City budget currently before Council – One of the items we’re looking at is the level proposed by the Administration for The Laurel Independent within the “Community Promotions” budget.

For the last few years, the City has budgeted $60k for the The Laurel Independent, initiated as part of a cooperative plan to continue a local paper when the 124-year old Laurel Leader was discontinued by its parent publisher. The Independent has combined this amount with their other funding sources to publish a monthly newspaper mailed to each household. Inside, the City is provided a four-page insert where they can publish official notices, City news, legislative actions, City events, resident information, and other coverage, translating to a cost to the City of about $0.17/ copy.

The proposed FY2026 budget reduces the line item amount to $24k, a 60% decrease that the Independent has indicated is not sufficient for them to continue operations and would necessitate them shutting the paper down.

The Council began conversations about this question earlier this week at its May 7 Budget Work Session, and you can see some the thoughts I shared there (starts at timestamp 1:37:59):

As we weigh this line item and its impact on our City, I’m interested to hear your thoughts too – I’ve put together an unofficial Google survey below as a way of helping me understand your preference, and I appreciate your time and feedback.

And below, you can see the cumulative replies thus far:

Your input is valued, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly as well!

∞

Info for Budget Work Session & City Council Meeting - 12 May 2025

Monday, May 12 is another double-header for Council, containing both (a) another Work Session at 5 p.m. (to continue working on the budget), plus (b) the regularly scheduled Council Meeting at 6 p.m.

Note that there’s no “public hearing” (i.e., public comment) component to the Work Session, but there is to the regular Council Meeting. Also, I’ve provided both meeting agendas below separately, so you’ll be able to tell what is happening in which meeting. To sign up to speak, contact the Clerk at [email protected] no later than 2:00 pm the day of the meeting.

As usual, see the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12.

AGENDA - BUDGET WORK SESSION

  1. Call to Order - Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  3. Adjournment

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL MEETING

  1. Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark

  2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk

  3. Approval of Minutes: April 28, 2025- Special Work Session Minutes; May 1, 2025- Budget Work Session Minutes; May 7, 2025- Work Session Minutes

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Appointment: The Honorable Michael R. Leszcz, Board of Pension Trustees, 05/12/25-05/12/29

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Bid Recommendation- LA25-008- Independence Day Fireworks- 2025- Laurel 4th of July Committee

  8. Bid Recommendation- Replacement of Granville Gude Park Lake Fountains- Department of Parks and Recreation

  9. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 1 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  10. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 2 Engineering Services- Department of Public Works

  11. Fleet Acquisition- Grapple Truck- Department of Public Works

  12. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Charter Resolution No. 181- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending, Rearranging and Renumbering Article 600 to 617 related to Elections

  13. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  14. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

Celebrate Laurel at our Main Street Festival this Sat, May 10!

It’s one of Laurel’s BIG traditions, and heralds the arrival of early summer each year –> the Main Street Festival! 🥳

There’s food, there’s local small businesses, there’s crafts, there’s music, there’s a parade, there’s kids activities, and there’s more!

And the weather’s looking perfect – So come out, get a taste of Laurel, see old friends, and make new ones – Right here on our hometown Main Street!

Auto-generated description: A colorful festival poster announces Main Street Festival with details about activities, date, and time.
∞

Metro Bus System Complete Route Changes start June 29

After two-and-a-half years of planning, Metro is launching a completely new bus route system on Sunday, June 29.

  • All Metrobus routes will have new route names

  • Some stops will be added, eliminated, or moved

  • And there’ll be changes to routes, hours of operation, and frequency

Bottom line: If you take advantage of the Metro bus system at any point, you’ll want to check out these updates:

  1. Use the Route Comparison Tool to input your current route and see it mapped to the new routes

  2. Use the Trip Planner Tool to map out a new route using the new route system.

  3. See the high-level bus service map for Maryland.

  4. And learn more about the changes, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and access resources (including multiple languages).

UPDATE 16 May 2025: A new smartphone app has also been released: MetroPulse, first on iOS and Android to come very soon.

∞

Info for City Council Work Session - 7 May 2025

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.

Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. (Note: Work Sessions don’t generally have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting.)

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President

  2. Bid Recommendation- LA25-008- Independence Day Fireworks- 2025- Laurel 4th of July Committee

  3. Bid Recommendation- Replacement of Granville Gude Park Lake Fountains- Department of Parks and Recreation

  4. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 1 Engineering Services - Department of Public Works

  5. Bid Recommendation- Van Dusen Road Improvement Project- Phase 2 Engineering Services - Department of Public Works

  6. Fleet Acquisition- Grapple Truck- Department of Public Works

  7. Ordinance No. 2041- An Ordinance Adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Levy Property Taxes; and to Authorize the Collection of Such Taxes

  8. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
∞

The City's Proposed FY2026 Budget is Out

This Thursday, May 1 from 6 - 8 p.m. the City Council will have its first Budget Work Session to review and ask questions about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget (covering Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026).

A very high-level look at the figures – $46.2 million in revenues and expenses.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the revenues by source:

And here’s a basic breakdown of the expenses by general department categories:

Of course, the details are where it’s at – here’s a link to the loosely 360-page budget document.

As usual, see the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and you can watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12.

And if any budget item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions!

∞

Summary of Proposed Changes to Laurel's Election Laws

The complete re-write of Laurel’s elections laws are back before Council this coming week (following their first appearance earlier this year on February 5).

There’s 45+ pages of documents and edits, a lot of it typographical and syntax related, but also with some significant changes/ deletions/ and new additions. You can find the official version on the City’s Meetings page (look for meeting packets for April 28).

Below I’ve provided a summary of what I read as the more significant changes being proposed, and also to solicit your thoughts and feedback for consideration:

  1. When can candidates apply to run for office? – Right now the Code provides that candidates can apply through the last Friday in September. The draft proposes that candidates apply by a date set by the Board of Elections, but no later than the first Friday in August.

  2. When can candidates begin campaign activities? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question, but the City has applied the practice of prohibiting campaign activities until the Board of Elections certifies a candidate’s application (which would be estimated around mid-August given the proposal in #1 above).

  3. Who can candidates appeal to if they differ in opinion with a judgement made by the City Board of Elections? – Right now the Code provides that a candidate can appeal to the City’s Board of Appeals. The draft proposes a candidate would instead to appeal to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

  4. Can a candidate function as their own campaign Treasurer? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question. One draft proposes that a candidate cannot function as their own Treasurer. It also requires a separate bank account to be opened by a candidate’s political committee (and not co-mingle with personal funds).

  5. When can campaign signs first appear around town? – Right now the Code doesn’t speak directly to the question. The draft proposes not displaying campaign signs any earlier than 45-days before Election Day.

Because the City election laws affect basically everybody (covering who can vote, how, who can run for office, how, etc.), it’s one of those items I’d highly encourage folks to engage with. You may already have opinions on City election procedure based on your own experience — If so, I’d very much be interested to hear it. And you may read parts of the documents you’re most interested in and have a question or concern — I would very much like to listen.

My goal at the end of the day is: (a) there’s a process that’s clear and easily understood, (b) all candidates have an even playing field, (c) residents' voting rights are respected, and (d) there’s a simple path to the best possible outcome for our City every two and four years.

Please feel free to reach out directly to me to share any thoughts or questions, and you are also invited to join us for the upcoming meetings to hear Council’s conversations about and to add your voice:

– Special Work Session on Monday, April 28 from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center. (Note: There’s no “public comment” portion to the Work Session itself, but you’ll hear initial conversation among Councilmembers, plus there’s a public comment portion in the regular meeting scheduled immediately after.)

– Regular Council Meeting on Monday, April 28 from 6 - 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Center. (Note: This meeting will have public comment openings available, both during General Public Hearing and for each agenda item around the election law [should it advance from Work Session].)

– Regular Council Meeting on Monday, May 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. via Zoom. (Note: Should the election laws advance to first hearing on April 28, this meeting would constitute the ‘second hearing’ and therefore be eligible for vote by Council. There will also be public comment openings available, and the key would be to request a speaking slot with the Clerk by 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.)

Your questions, ideas, and thoughts helps me shape legislation and decisions – Thank you! 😀