The Maryland Municipal League Presents Municipal Achievement Awards to the Town of Greensboro and City of Laurel

(June 26, 2023) Annapolis, Md. – The Maryland Municipal League (MML), which represents 157 cities and towns and two special taxing districts in Maryland, acknowledged Greensboro and Laurel as the Small Town and Large City winners of its revered Municipal Achievement Award during the Summer Conference.

Each year, the Maryland Municipal League, in coordination with the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, recognizes cities and towns that successfully implemented innovative approaches to improve lives in their communities.

This year’s awards were centered around the theme “Making Maryland Municipalities More Equitable and Inclusive,” and were presented by Eric Luedtke, Chief Legislative Officer to Governor Moore, on behalf of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.

The Town of Greensboro is being recognized for their Greensboro Connects Initiative, which provides an office-style physical space for critical services to their residents and surrounding communities. The initiative provides mental health services, banking and financial literacy, homelessness prevention, supports a food pantry, and much more.

“The Greensboro Connects Initiative represents what our cities and towns do best – bringing people together to help one another,” said MML CEO Theresa Kuhns. “I hope this becomes a model for other communities looking to bridge service gaps. It is no wonder the Community Development Network of Maryland named it as the Best Community Development Cross Sector Collaboration in 2022.”

Addressing a downturn in community volunteers and feedback, the City of Laurel won the Large City award for their Laurel Citizen University, a series of courses designed to build a learning environment enhancing the community’s understanding of the city’s structure, promoting civic engagement, and providing feedback to Laurel’s elected officials and staff. Offered annually, it also provides opportunities for participants to continue their civic responsibilities through commissions and committees.

“Municipal government is most effective when residents get involved through boards, commissions, and committees,” added Kuhns. “Mayor Craig Moe and the City clearly recognize this, going above and beyond with their 8-week Laurel Citizen University certificate program.

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