From Risk to Resilience: Local Tools for a Stronger Maryland

Hear how coordinating DPWs with emergency management can strengthen response and protect critical infrastructure. 

Resilience planning helps counties prepare for disruptions, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain essential services. By coordinating various aspects of core operation (i.e. public works and emergency management), counties can identify vulnerabilities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve how resources are deployed before, during, and after a disaster. This approach supports faster recovery, reduces long-term costs, and helps communities remain safe and operational under changing conditions.

Description: Maryland’s resilience and climate goals are moving from planning to implementation, with new tools helping local governments turn priorities into projects. This panel will offer a broad look at how the Resilient Maryland Strategy is creating a more proactive, coordinated approach to strengthen communities against hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, fire, and other risks. Panelists will also explore how new financial tools can serve as practical implementation partners, using public, private, and county resources to advance clean energy, climate, and resilience goals while reinvesting in local communities. The discussion will highlight how counties can align strategy, financing, technical assistance, and governance to move projects forward and better protect Maryland communities. 

Speakers: 

  • Rachel Lamb, Assistant Secretary for Climate Policy and International Affairs, Maryland Department of the Environment
  • Stephen Morel, Chief Executive Officer, Montgomery County Green Bank 
  • Mike Hinson, Chief Resilience Officer, Maryland Department of Emergency Management  
  • The Honorable Dawn Luedtke, Montgomery County Council
  • Brett Mattson, Senior Legislative Director, Justice & Public Safety, NACo 

Moderator: The Honorable Michele Guyton, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm 

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