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Small Biz: MD proposing 2.5% Sales Tax on Services - Share your Voice

At tonight’s Council Meeting, I shared that a Maryland bill was just introduced late and is being fast-tracked for hearings with the potential to affect all small businesses, both in the payment of additional taxes and in the requirement for additional compliance ->

House Bill 1554 / Senate Bill 1045 proposes a 2.5% sales tax on many common services used by (and provided by) small businesses, including:

  • Marketing,
  • IT,
  • Accounting/ tax preparation,
  • Financial planning,
  • Photography,
  • Office support & temporary labor,
  • Landscaping,
  • Appraisals,
  • Repair,
  • Sports or performing arts advertisement,
  • and more.

In my opinion, these bills would adversely affect small businesses in our City and State for a variety of reasons, including:

  1. Maryland is already struggling to attract and retain businesses compared to other states. Last year, CNBC ranked Maryland 47th in the cost of doing business and 37th in business friendliness. This policy will further drive business owners and innovation elsewhere, such as DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

  2. It also disproportionately affects the small business owner. The small business owners I talk with are almost universally concerned about how their business is doing, the outlook for the economy, and the impact economic shifts will have on them. They have experienced dips in their revenues combined with increases in their costs. Passing a bill that further increases the cost of services they provide, and further adds to their compliance requirements, only adds salt to their wound at the worst possible time.

While some similar efforts have failed in the past, given Maryland’s current $3 billion deficit, these bills have a very strong chance of advancing if small business owners don’t let members of the Committee and our State representatives know they oppose it.

ACTIONS:

  • Testimony for the first hearings on Wednesday, Mar 12 closed as of 6 p.m. today. But you can still directly email members of the respective committees. Here is a spreadsheet provided by the MACPA with their names and email addresses.

  • Laurel residents are also represented by Senator James Rosapepe of District 21 who is the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee which will hear the bill on Wednesday. Contacting his office with your position is also a way to directly impact the process.

Timely action will help our State Representatives know where you stand, and please consider sharing with other small businesses to raise awareness for their voice to be heard.

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Info for City Council Meeting - 10 Mar 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, CMC, City Clerk

  3. Approval of Minutes: February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting; March 5, 2025 Work Session

  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council

  5. Mayoral Appointment: Eileen Stokes, Board of Trustees, 03/10/2025-03/10/2029

  6. General Public Hearing

  7. Fleet Acquisition- 2025 Ford E-350 Service Body- Department of Public Works

  8. Bid Recommendation- Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program Contract- Laurel Police Department

  9. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2039- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  10. Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2040- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Laurel City Code Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I, Section 16-10 “Elderly and Veteran Tax Credit Program” and Providing An Effective Date

  11. Adjournment

Auto-generated description: Official seal and logo of the City of Laurel, Maryland, featuring a coat of arms and the city's name.
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Laurel Women's History Month celebration *this Sat*, Mar 8

Come on out to the Laurel Multiservice Center this Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate Women’s History Month – There’ll be a keynote address by Shauna F. King, entertainment, mentoring organizations, and more. Councilwoman Christine Johnson has selected the theme of “Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” with a focus on honoring, celebrating, and connecting with mentors for all ages.

It’ll be a good opportunity to see what’s available, connect with neighbors from around town, and enjoy some fun, so come on out! 🎉

Auto-generated description: A flyer announcing a Women's History Month event on March 8, 2025, featuring speaker Shauna F. King at the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center.
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Resources for Adversely Impacted Federal Workers Tonight, Mar 6

If you’ve been impacted by the major shifts in the federal workforce this past few weeks, you may find the special Community Conversation via Zoom this evening hosted by PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen very helpful. He plans to provide an update from Capitol Hill, answer submitted questions, and share resources and information about the path forward.

You can use this link to register for the Zoom call and to also submit any questions you have and would like to see answered.

Related: The State of Maryland recently launched a resource page for impacted federal workers, including a link to state job listings and private sector job listings.

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Reminder: PG County Executive Primary Ends Today & Tomorrow, Mar 4

Reminder that the primary for the Special Election for the new Prince George’s County Executive ends today (last day of Early Voting) and tomorrow (official Primary Election Day).

Related details:

  • The voting location for Laurel is at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center (7120 Contee Rd).

  • Monday, Mar 3 Early Voting Day runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Mar 4 Primary Election Day runs 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • The PG County Executive seat was vacated last fall when sitting Executive Angela Alsobrooks won her run for U.S. Senate.

  • Some good coverage of the candidates and their positions can be found from the Streetcar Suburbs News team (home of The Laurel Independent). Included is news that Jolene Ivey withdrew her candidacy a few weeks ago.

  • And sample ballots and other key information can be found on the official Maryland Board of Elections Special Election page.

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Info for City Council Work Session - 5 Mar 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, Council President

  2. Fleet Acquisition- 2025 Ford E-350 Service Body- Department of Public Works

  3. Bid Recommendation- Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Program Contract- Laurel Police Department

  4. Ordinance No. 2039- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date

  5. Ordinance No. 2040- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Laurel City Code Chapter 16 “Taxation”, Article I, Section 16-10 “Elderly and Veteran Tax Credit Program” and Providing An Effective Date

  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.
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My Interview with LaurelTV’s Council Connections

It was a neat experience to be in-studio with the LaurelTV team for my first Council Connections interview where I had an opportunity to share a little background about my myself, some of my experiences on Council, as well as some of my vision for Laurel.

I hope you enjoy watching it as well, and also a note for you: our City has both video and podcast studios that can be made available to individuals, organizations, and small businesses, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the Communications Department for more info. ! 🎥 😀

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Help Alleviate Homelessness at LARS -No Address- Movie Premiere, Feb 27

‘A day before its nationwide release, Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) will be hosting a movie premiere, red carpet event for No Address right here at the Laurel Regal Theaters. The powerful film, produced by Robert Craig Films, sheds light on the experiences of those facing homelessness and inspires viewers to take action to support local nonprofits.’

50% of the net profits will be shared with nonprofits addressing homelessness, including LARS – Right now LARS helps administer 50 rental units throughout northern PG County providing permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, plus later this year will be overseeing the new transitional housing units at the Laurel Multiservice Center.

So come on out, support a good cause, walk the red carpet, and let’s all help to alleviate homelessness and lift up those in need right around us.

More details in the graphic below, tickets can be purchased online, and be sure also visit the LARS No Address page for additional information.

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Clippings from the Feb 2025 edition of The Laurel Independent

This month has gone by way too fast - in part as our family has getting back up-and-running after a bout with the flu knocked us out for close to two weeks towards the end of January, 🤒 and in part because there were so many neat things going on. 🎉 I do always like to share some of the digital clippings I made from the monthly Laurel Independent, so here’s a few highlights for your perusal from this month’s edition:

  • A feature on Main Street’s Rainbow Florist & Delectables just in time for Valentine’s Day, but also good year-round.

  • A survey of nature getaways around town by columnist Agnes Pasco Conaty.

  • Highlights of the City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month celebrations.

  • Ad for the Laurel Historical Society’s new Laurel Rides the Rails exhibit (open every Fri - Sun, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.).

  • Announcement of two candidates for next year’s Prince George’s County Council District 1 (covering Laurel) election, Michelle Garcia and Martin Mitchell.

  • Launch of the paper’s continuously updated new online Events Calendar

  • and more!

Check out articles on the Streetcar Suburbs News website and a full digital, flippable version on their Streetcar Suburbs News Issuu page — Physical copies also come via mail and are available in many hotspots around town. 🔥

And please consider donating in support of local journalism, it’s needed!

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Info for City Council Meeting - 24 Feb 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 - 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, CMC, City Clerk
  4. Approval of Minutes: February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
  5. Report of the Mayor and City Council
  6. Mayoral Appointments: Tanéa Brown, CAC for Senior Residents & Persons w/Disabilities, 02/24/25-02/24/27; Yolanda Pearson, Juneteenth Committee
  7. General Public Hearing
  8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 3-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring Support for the Preservation of the Federal Tax Exemption of Municipal Bonds.
  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.
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10 Fast Facts for Laurel Historic District Commission Residents

The last few months as a new member of the Historic District Commission (HDC), I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with a number of folks, learning more about Laurel’s HDC processes, and helping find answers to questions residents have asked.

It occurred to me that it may also be helpful to share some ‘fast facts and tips’ for residents of Laurel’s Historic District, whether you’ve been here for a bit or are newly moved into town. So, a la Dave Letterman, here’s an unofficial ‘10 Fast Facts for Historic District Residents’:

  1. First, sometimes there’s understandably confusion between the Historic District Commission and the Laurel Historical Society. The HDC is an official part of the Laurel City Government with the mission to ‘promote the preservation of Laurel’s historic sites’ and which handles decisions around structural changes in the Historic District designated area. The Laurel Historical Society is an independent non-profit with the mission to ‘deepen an understanding of Laurel’s past and inspire for its future’. Sometimes the Laurel Historical Society can help residents or the City understand what things looked like around town as part of their work, but they don’t handle any decisions for the City.
  2. Which leads me to #2: Residents (and businesses) of the Historic District who plan to make changes to their property’s exterior will generally need to submit an application for approval to the HDC. This includes most items from windows & paint, to house additions & tree removals.
  3. Some applications can be approved directly by City staff within 7 - 10 days if it’s considered “in-kind” – This means the color, style, and material is the same as the existing. (E.g., you need to replace old gutters with the same ones you had before.)
  4. There’s also a fast-track provision for ‘emergency approvals’. For example, you have a hole in your roof and need to get the roofer out right away to keep water out of your home.
  5. Most other applications will generally need to be approved as part of the monthly meeting of the HDC, which is usually held the third Tuesday of each month. The key thing to know, is that the application must be submitted roughly a month prior to the meeting and can be accomplished online. (The official meeting schedule contains corresponding application submission dates, so be sure to look for those.)
  6. A help to Historic District residents: Qualifying project costs can receive a 10% City real estate tax credit, so be sure not to miss out if it applies to you. Qualifying costs include materials and are for homes identified as having historic impact. (So project costs to modern-styled structures in the Historic District generally won’t qualify.)
  7. Which also bring us to two other tax credits: Laurel has a historic rehabilitation City real estate credit of 25% and Maryland has a Homeowner Tax Credit against income taxes of 20% for eligible renovation or rehabilitation costs. These have a little more added criteria, but can definitely be worth it if you’re undertaking a big project.
  8. Tip #8, remember that after receiving HDC approval, some projects will also need typical permits as well, so you may have one more step. (For example, garages, fences, sheds, decks, driveways, etc.) Permits aren’t issued by the HDC, but by the City’s Fire Marshal and Permit Services (FMPS) Department, which are also processed online.
  9. A common question I’ve received: what about work related to trees? First, a tree not seen from the public right-of-way does not need HDC approval to be removed. (Though be aware an alley may be deemed a public right-of-way.) Second, removal of a dangerous or diseased tree also doesn’t need HDC approval as long as a letter from a certified arborist is received attesting the same. Other than that, tree removal from public right-of-way will generally need HDC approval, and all tree removals will usually be accompanied by a request to plant a replacement native tree.
  10. Lastly, you can download a HDC Information Packet right from the HDC pages of the City’s website, as well as find a host of information there. There is a lot, so don’t hesitate to call or email the City team to help get clarification and save yourself some time and effort – staff recommend contacting them early on the front end of a project so they can help guide you to a speedy approval.

I hope the above is helpful, and certainly if there’s ideas, questions, or other, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as well and I’m happy to work on getting an answer for you. And together, we can help Laurel preserve part of its heritage as a 150+ year old City anchoring the center of a historic state!

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Small biz Roundtable / Black History Month / Town Hall Highlights & Pics

»Laurel Board of Trade Small Business Roundtable«

Thank you to the Laurel Board of Trade (LBOT) for sponsoring, and thank you to the City Department Heads for making themselves available, as small business owners and non-profits from around Laurel gathered at Council Chambers to learn the resources available to them from the City and to share ideas and connections on enabling small businesses to flourish in our town. Many great and candid conversations were had both in general session and afterwards, and I was encouraged by the commitment and drive of our small businesses to impact the Laurel community for the better. (Side note: My heart was very much warmed by one attendee’s comment that we’re ‘courting her to Laurel’ with the support and encouragement provided here.) 🙂 And I know there’s even more good to flow from this meeting.

Auto-generated description: People are seated and standing around tables in a conference or meeting room, listening to a speaker at a podium. (Photo credit: City of Laurel)

»Black History Month Celebration«

What a powerful and heart-filled program put together by Council President Kyla Clark bringing together so many members from across our community to remember the past and celebrate the future during Black History Month. The spoken-word poem recited by KayKiara, the keynote by Joanne Awuor Oport of Africans for Mental Health, the singing by Laurel High School choir, historical notes from our Mayor, the featured non-profits, the small business vendors, and more were so uplifting. And not to mention the Electric Slide dance and music at the end. It’ll be hard to top this one next year and thank you to all who were involved in making it a great success! (P.S. You have to checkout the video of the event online produced by the LaurelTV crew.)

(Photo credit: The Laurel Independent)

»Laurel Town Hall Listening Session«

The Mayor held his second annual Town Hall Listening session on Feb 7 to both have Departments share about key accomplishments from this past year and to take notes of residents' ideas and concerns for helping make Laurel even better. It was a pleasure getting to meet those who were present in person, both to hear the ideas they shared from the podium, and also converse with them before and after the session on topics on their mind and ideas/ questions they have. Definitely want to encourage residents to reach out any time, either via email or I always enjoying meeting folks in person (e.g., at in-person Council Meetings the end of each month). As I shared during the Town Hall, you really are the beating heart of the City and you are the builders of community we are all trying to serve, so never hesitate to connect and let the City know how it can help.

(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
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Clippings from VoL, Winter 2025 Edition

If you haven’t had a chance to pickup a copy of the latest edition of the Voices of Laurel, I recommend you check it out as it’s chock full of some great reading. The paper provides useful updates from around town, plus also neat long-form reminisces and reflections on the Laurel community that are great to read as you wind down at the end of the day. :)

Some clippings from the Winter 2025 edition:

  • Recap and pictures of the Voices of Laurel Day at the Races at Laurel Park last October

  • Laurel neighborhood highlights from Oldtown (Caitlin Lewis), North Laurel (Angie Latham Kozlowski), South Laurel (Diane Mezzanotte), West Laurel (Virginia May Geis), and Russett/ Maryland City (Brenda Ziegler Riley)

  • Profile of Laurel High School graduate turned rock-and-roll star, Marty Friedman.

  • Wonderful reflection of Laurel Elementary School Media Specialist Shane Walker about his experiences with bus duty.

  • Reminisces of Richard Friend on his Laurel High School Earth Science Teacher Herb Desind, and Kevin Leonard’s remembrance of the 1972 George Wallace attempted assassination in Laurel.

  • Great profiles of community warriors, Laurel Fire Department awards, history crumbs, and more!

  • Oh, and there’s an article in there from me too titled, “Laurel: A Community of Communities” 🙂

Pickup a copy at one of the news stands around town (includes Municipal Center, Food Lion, Laurel & Russett libraries, & more) check out the PDF version online, or peruse the posts of the Voices of Laurel website.

While you’re there, perhaps even consider making a donation (see button at bottom of page) to this non-profit powered by volunteers - I know they’ll appreciate it! 👍

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Join L4P Neighborhood Litter Clean-up this Sat, Feb 15

Hello neighbors! – Extending an invitation to the Laurel for the Patuxent’s ‘Neighborhood Litter Clean-up’ morning at McCullough field tomorrow, Saturday, February 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Details from the event page:

Help clean up the areas surrounding McCullough Field! We’ll meet at 8th St. at the pavilion across from the library playground.

Please bring gloves. We will provide trash bags and a limited number of trash picker devices.

Students can get Service Hours Credit for helping with the clean-up. To receive credit, you must bring a Service Form with your name filled in to the clean-up. We cannot complete credit forms after the event.

So come enjoy being outdoors while helping enhance the natural beauty of our neighborhood and connecting with neighbors!

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Snow Emergency Declared starting at 1 p.m. today, Feb 11

Mayor Sydnor has declared Snow Emergency status effective starting at 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, February 11.

As described in the Executive Order 2025-03:

This storm is expected to bring a possible accumulation of snow of up to six (6) inches in the City of Laurel. Among other things, the possibility exists that the City may have to eliminate or restrict parking on certain City streets designated as snow emergency routes and other areas that have been identified as critical locations. This Executive Order shall remain in effect until further notice or until it has been amended or rescinded.

Below is a picture of the City’s snow emergency route, where cars should be moved from, to help keep critical paths clear (also available in PDF). And more on snow removal and snow emergency procedures can be found on DPW’s Snow Removal page.

Forecasts keep varying, so smart to keep an eye on and hopefully another beautiful winter event here for Laurel. ❄️☃️ And a big thanks to our Emergency Management, Department of Public Works, Police, and other Laurel teams that help us bridge us to the other side!

UPDATE 12 Feb 2025: The Snow Emergency order has been lifted effective today, Wednesday, at 11 a.m.

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Submit your Master Plan Community Survey before Feb 17

It happens only once every 10 years, so be sure to get your feedback and ideas into the Master Plan Committee to help inform and influence their planning process — The Community Survey opened February 4 and will close on February 17 at 5 p.m.

It covers questions like what you think the City should prioritize, which transportation options are important to enhance, what recreational options should be added, types of business & industries you’d like to see in town, what needs to be improved, and more. In total, shouldn’t take any more than 10 minutes, and likely a little less.

So don’t hesitate, click here to begin the survey and be a part of helping shape the City’s outlook for the next 10 years!

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Laurel’s Black History Month event Sat, Feb 8

Celebrate Black History Month here in Laurel by coming out to the Multiservice Center from 1 - 3 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 8. There’ll be food trucks, black-owned businesses, performances, resources, and more.

Additional details are below — It promises to be a great event and a great celebration that you’re sure to enjoy. So come on out, meet neighbors new and old, and see you there! :)

Auto-generated description: A flyer announces a Black History Month celebration on February 8th in Laurel, Maryland, featuring food trucks, black-owned businesses, and performances. Auto-generated description: Flyer promoting a Black History Month event featuring local Black-owned businesses and community resources on February 8, 2025, at the Laurel Multiservice Center.
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Info for City Council Meeting - 10 Feb 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 - Council President Kyla M. Clark
  2. Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, Clerk
  3. Approval of Minutes: January 27, 2025 Regular Meeting; February 5, 2025 Work Session
  4. Report of the Mayor and City Council
  5. Mayoral Appointment: Nadol Hishmeh, Master Plan Committee, 02/10/2025-02/10/2027
  6. General Public Hearing
  7. Resolution No. 3-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring Support for the Preservation of the Federal Tax Exemption of Municipal Bonds.
  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.
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FREE screening of The Six Triple Eight movie on Feb 12

As part of honoring Black History Month, the Greenbelt Cinema will be hosting a special screening of “The Six Triple Eight,” a film about the historic battalion of all-female, African American soldiers who, despite discrimination and war-time conditions, sorted over 17 million pieces of mail to restore morale to service members and families.

The FREE event will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, the 80th anniversary of the 6888th unit landing in Birmingham, England to begin their assignment. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:00 p.m.

And as an added bonus, Retired Master Sergeant Elizabeth Anne Helm-Frazier is a local expert on the history and significance of the 6888th unit and will hold a Q&A after the film with several other 6888th special guests. 

More information can be found on the cinema’s movie page, and it looks to be a great event!

UPDATE 11 Feb 2025: Due to the anticipated inclement weather for tomorrow, we have POSTPONED “The Six Triple Eight” event to Wednesday, February 19th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm.) We apologize for any inconvenience, and we hope to have you join us next week for this wonderful event! (Use same link above for information for the new date.)

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Mayor's Town Hall Listening Session tomorrow, Thu, Feb 6

Mayor Sydnor extends an invitation to all residents to come to a Town Hall Listening Session tomorrow, Thursday, February 6 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Municipal Center. And if you’re unable to attend in person, it will be broadcast live through the normal LaurelTV streams (see my Council Meeting post for all the normal links).

The Mayor and members of Council will share some highlights, but the focus is for residents to share their questions, ideas, concerns, suggestions, and more. (It can even be a first opportunity to share thoughts about the full re-write of the City election laws being decided by Council this month.)

Note that the Mayor has structured the event as listening session, so all present will be invited to speak and share their thoughts, but no replies will be given on the spot. Instead, the Mayor will ask members of his administration to compile replies in a report to be issued within sixty days. (I’ll plan to post that report here once it’s released.)

I plan to arrive early and stay late at the session, so please don’t hesitate to come up and introduce yourself and directly share your thoughts and ideas as well – I’m happy to answer any questions I can for you and to follow-up with you on any I don’t know right away. Also feel free email me if you’re unable to make in person – hearing from residents is critical to me in being able to know what’s helpful to make our City even better.

So come on out, if only to meet neighbors and hear what others have to say, but also to add your voice to helping make Laurel a great city to live, work, and play!

Auto-generated description: A town hall event titled Let's Talk, Community First is scheduled for February 6, featuring Mayor Keith R. Sydnor, with information on location, timing, and livestream options.