#17 Michele Blair - sustainability in the city of Laurel, Maryland, USA

Michele Blair talks to host Pete Burden. Michele is the sustainability manager for the small city of Laurel in Maryland, USA. It’s a small city, but has its own governance and the ability to write its own legislation. So there’s an opportunity to keep things small, and respond positively despite the sometimes difficult bigger picture.

Michelle’s passionate about, and deeply involved in, the practicalities of integrating sustainability into the community and city. For her there are several parts to that: working closely with all the stakeholders, and trying to find ‘wiggle room’.

With citizens that means involving the community through focus groups, other events, and making it fun. With politicians that means due diligence – being really clear on the benefits. It’s also about avoiding the pitfalls of gaining authority through hierarchy and finding ways to give everyone a voice, allowing people to grow and breathe.

The draft Sustainability Plan was presented to the Mayor, city council, and the community during a launch party in January 2025.

Michele on LinkedIn

Pete on LinkedIn