Mayor Scott to Nominate Jon Laria as Chair of the Baltimore City Planning Commission

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, January 9, 2025) - Today Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced his intent to nominate Jon Laria as the Chair of the Baltimore City Planning Commission on January 13, subject to City Council confirmation. An attorney, Laria is currently Special Counsel in the Baltimore office of Ballard Spahr LLP, following nearly 30 years as a firm partner, including over ten as Baltimore managing partner.

"Jon Laria's deep understanding of Baltimore's challenges and opportunities - and his well-known love for our city-- make him an ideal leader for the Planning Commission as Baltimore continues to build the renaissance underway," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "I know that he'll put his expertise and perspective to good use helping to drive our city forward into a new era of growth in this role."

With decades of experience in land use, zoning, planning, and related public policy, Laria brings a wealth of expertise to lead the Commission in shaping Baltimore's future. Long-focused on sustainable growth and equitable economic development, Laria has consistently championed initiatives that promote economic vibrancy, community inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Laria has held a number of leadership roles in the urban planning space, including as Chair of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission. That Commission was charged with assessing and advising on the progress of state, regional, and local planning in achieving Maryland's economic growth, resource protection, and planning policy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Laria has been an active leader in the Baltimore community, serving on multiple mayoral and gubernatorial transition teams and task forces. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Baltimore Committee, Healthy Neighborhoods, and the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance. He previously served as president of Live Baltimore's board.

Laria's full bio can be found here. Upon confirmation, he will succeed Sean Davis who stepped down as Planning Commission Chair in December 2024, after serving in that role for the past seven years.

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