Leonardtown Reflects On Growth, Charts Future At State Of The Town Breakfast

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Community pride, strategic growth and a vision for the future took center stage during the Leonardtown “State of the Town Breakfast” held at The Rex Theatre April 10, where local leaders, partners and residents gathered to reflect on progress and what lies ahead.

A warm welcome from Mayor Daniel Burris, alongside the commissioners of Leonardtown, set the stage, followed by opening remarks from Leonardtown Business Association President Jennifer Stotler, who emphasized the strength of the town’s business community and its role in shaping what comes next.

Throughout the morning, speakers reflected on Leonardtown’s growth, celebrated its small-town charm and outlined a forward-looking vision grounded in thoughtful planning and community connection.

The annual event, catered by Boones Bagels, brought together town officials, economic leaders and community partners for a comprehensive look at Leonardtown’s evolving identity, one rooted in history, yet focused firmly on the future.

History And Community Roots

Jeanine Harrington, assistant town administrator for the Town of Leonardtown, reflected on the town’s deep historical roots and the strong sense of community that continues to shape its identity today.

Harrington traced Leonardtown’s origins back to the early 1600s, noting its designation as the St. Mary’s County seat in 1708, when it was known as “Seymour Town,” named after Gov. John Seymour. The town was later renamed Leonardtown in 1728 in honor of Benedict Leonard Calvert.

Over time, Leonardtown thrived as a port during the steamboat era, with the wharf serving as a vital hub of transportation and commerce. The waterfront once supported a working industrial area, including an ice plant and ice house, remnants of which still exist today, offering a tangible connection to the town’s past.

While much has changed, Harrington emphasized that Leonardtown has carefully preserved its historic charm even as it has evolved. The revitalization of the waterfront and downtown in recent decades has transformed the area into a vibrant public space, now featuring parks, walking paths, docks and gathering areas for residents and visitors alike.

Equally important, she noted, are the generations of families who helped shape the town, many of whose names remain familiar throughout the community today.

As Leonardtown continues to grow, Harrington highlighted the importance of balancing progress with preservation, ensuring the town remains not just a place to live and work, but a place where people feel a true sense of belonging.

Managing Growth While Preserving Character

A central theme of the address focused on managed growth — not expansion at any cost, but development that preserves Leonardtown’s small-town charm while strengthening its economic foundation.

Jeanine Harrington, assistant town administrator, outlined how tools such as municipal growth boundaries and annexation help guide development in a deliberate, strategic way rather than allowing unchecked sprawl.

“Growth is not just how we expand, it’s how we preserve quality of life,” she emphasized.

One of the most significant long-term opportunities discussed was the Tudor Hall development, a roughly 400-acre project that could connect downtown to the waterfront through a mix of residential, commercial and recreational spaces. Plans include trails, public access points and new infrastructure designed to support both residents and visitors.

Aris Molina, public relations and events coordinator, also spoke alongside Harrington and noted that today, Leonardtown is home to approximately 5,500 residents and nearly 300 businesses and organizations, a significant increase from just 697 residents in 1930. That growth, Molina noted, underscores the need for thoughtful planning.

“There is truly no place like Leonardtown,” Molina noted, pointing to the town’s resilience and the everyday ways residents support local businesses, attend events and volunteer.

Molina also highlighted Leonardtown’s growing recognition on a national level, noting its recent distinction as a finalist in the America’s Favorite Small Towns competition — an achievement she credited to a community that consistently shows up for one another.

Molina also pointed to steady population growth in recent decades, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning as that growth places increased demand on housing, roads, services and infrastructure. She underscored the town’s commitment to guiding development in a way that protects its character while making practical investments that support both residents and local businesses, ensuring Leonardtown continues to grow responsibly.

Economic Partnerships Fuel Progress

Cindy Greb, director of St. Mary’s County Economic Development, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that Leonardtown’s success contributes to the broader regional economy.

The county continues to invest in major initiatives, including expansions at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, which now features a longer runway and upgraded facilities aimed at attracting new business opportunities.

Officials also addressed ongoing challenges such as workforce development and housing demand. A recent state report indicates the county will need more than 4,000 new homes by 2030, prompting continued discussions around housing availability and affordability.

Tourism Driving Local Impact

Tourism remains a powerful economic driver, according to representative Liz Mildenstein with the Board of Directors of Visit St. Mary’s MD.

In 2024, the county welcomed nearly 1 million visitors, generating approximately $247 million in spending, an average of more than $600,000 per day.

That spending supports jobs, local businesses and public services, officials said, reinforcing the importance of attracting visitors through events, marketing campaigns and regional partnerships.

Upcoming events, including large-scale festivals and nationally recognized attractions, are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area in the coming months.

Health Care Expands Access Close To Home

Mimi Novello, MD, MBA, FACEP, president and chief medical officer of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, also shared updates and emphasized the expanded access to care and advanced medical services available locally.

Health care delivery, she noted, has evolved beyond hospital walls, with services now offered through urgent care centers, outpatient facilities and telehealth options across the county.

Investments in technology, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, are allowing patients to receive high-quality care close to home, reducing the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas.

Looking Ahead

As the event concluded, speakers reiterated a shared commitment to maintaining Leonardtown’s identity while preparing for future growth.

From infrastructure planning and economic development to tourism and health care, each presentation reinforced a common goal: ensuring Leonardtown remains, as its tagline suggests, “a most exceptional place.”

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