North Laurel-Savage Area Earns Renewed Designation As Sustainable Community

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Maryland Smart Growth Subcabinet has approved the renewal of Howard County’s Sustainable Community designation for the North Laurel-Savage area. This renewal extends the North Laurel-Savage area’s Sustainable Community designation for another five years, through 2029.

"Our North Laurel-Savage area is a vibrant community with a rich history and promising future. This Sustainable Community designation allows the county to tap into targeted state resources to revitalize and strengthen our established communities," explained Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Sustainable Communities Program is a place-based designation offering a comprehensive package of state resources that support holistic strategies for community development, revitalization and sustainability. This renewed Sustainable Communities designation allows the county to remain eligible to apply for state programs, grants, tax credits and loans that can be used throughout the North Laurel-Savage Sustainable Community area.

"This designation reaffirms our commitment to fostering vibrant, resilient and lasting communities. Since becoming a designated Sustainable Community, we have made many strides in implementing projects in the Savage community and North Laurel area, collaborating with partners and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and creating a more dynamic future for North Laurel-Savage," said Lynda Eisenberg, director of Howard County's department of planning and zoning

First designated a Sustainable Community in 2013 and again in 2019, the North Laurel-Savage area has benefitted from this program through secured state funding used for signage at Savage Park, Patuxent Branch trail resurfacing, Carroll Baldwin Memorial Hall building renovations and Baldwin Commons Park enhancements.

The 2024 action plan for the area calls for trail and sidewalk network expansions, tree plantings along US 1 and offers strategies to address affordable housing and rehabilitating older housing stock throughout the North Laurel-Savage area.

In addition to the North Laurel-Savage area, Howard County is home to two additional Sustainable Communities, Ellicott City and Long Reach Village.