President's Message: April 2025
- meghanhudson14
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Dear Fellow Landscape Architecture Professionals,
Happy World Landscape Architecture Month! This year’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries,” highlights how landscape architects break through physical, cultural, and environmental barriers to create more connected and resilient communities. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate our profession, share our work, and advocate for the vital role we play in shaping the built environment.
One of the best ways to celebrate excellence in our field is by attending our annual Design Awards Gala. We’re just a few weeks away from this special evening at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, where we will recognize outstanding projects and the professionals behind them. Secure your tickets now before prices increase next week!
Advocacy & Legislative Updates
With the Maryland General Assembly session wrapping up next week, several critical issues impact our profession:
The federal memo calling for the removal of bicycle and green infrastructure projects from federal grant funding threatens the progress we’ve made in building safer, more sustainable communities. Sign the ASLA letter today to urge Secretary Duffy to protect these essential projects.
Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales Tax: A Narrow Escape
The Maryland General Assembly recently considered SB 1045 / HB 1554, which proposed a 2.5% sales tax on business-to-business services—including accounting, payroll, IT support, and consulting. This tax would have significantly increased operating costs for landscape architecture firms and practitioners. Thanks to strong opposition from the design community and allied industries, these bills did not advance. However, lawmakers did approve a 3% sales tax on data and IT services, reinforcing the need to remain vigilant in protecting our profession from unnecessary financial burdens.
Program Open Space (POS) Funding Update
Last month, we raised concerns about proposals to transfer all POS funding to the General Fund, which would have jeopardized park development statewide. While the worst-case scenario was avoided, the final budget still presents challenges:
State land preservation funding: Distributions suspended from FY 2026 through 2029, redirecting funds to the General Fund.
Local POS funding: Reduced by 50% from FY 2026 through 2029.
Maryland Park Service: Receives $40 million annually (adjusted for inflation) from FY 2027 through 2029.
We will continue working on strategies to restore and protect these funds in future legislative sessions.
SB 931 – Recognizing Landscape Architects in Renewable Energy Projects
A recent amendment to SB 931 highlights the expertise of Professional Landscape Architects, requiring them to design site mitigation plans for solar projects on agricultural lands. This ensures that solar developments meet Maryland’s high environmental standards, balancing clean energy growth with responsible land stewardship. This is a significant recognition of our profession’s critical role in shaping sustainable infrastructure.
Advocacy Webinar – April 23: Navigating New Grant & Contracting Opportunities
With the legislative session concluding, new contracting and grant opportunities are emerging. Join us for a virtual lunchtime learning session on April 23 to gain insights into these opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. A full legislative session recap will follow in the coming weeks.
Recent Highlights & Upcoming Events
WEDG Workshop Recap
Last month, we hosted a coastal resiliency workshop at Design Collective, featuring presentations from the Waterfront Alliance, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Baltimore’s Office of Sustainability. This event encouraged collaboration between landscape architects, engineers, and policymakers to advance climate resilience solutions. Read more about the event here.
Movie Night – April 17
Join us for a special screening of Sitting Still, the new documentary about the legendary Laurie Olin and his groundbreaking contributions to landscape architecture. Enjoy happy hour, popcorn, and a drink as we explore the power of public spaces in shaping our cities.
Ruppert Nursery Tour – April 25
Potomac Chapter has invited MDASLA members to tour Ruppert Nurseries, one of the largest tree farms in Maryland. Learn about pruning techniques and spring digging practices—and enjoy a great day outdoors!
Thank You & Get Involved!
April marks the halfway point for our 2024-2025 Executive Board, but there’s still so much to do! It’s not too late to get involved—whether you’re interested in awards, advocacy, mentorship, professional development, or just general fellowship. Please reach out and get involved—everyone is welcome!
A heartfelt thank you to our supporters, especially our newest chapter sponsors: Unilock, Hyde Concrete, and Conestoga Tile—welcome to the MDASLA community!
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Design Awards Gala in May and our upcoming events this month. Let’s make the most of World Landscape Architecture Month together!
Michael Pullano, PLA, ASLA
President, ASLA Maryland
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