What if we could reduce waste, create jobs, and preserve our community’s historic character—all at the same time? That was the guiding question behind the 2025 Maryland Deconstruction Summit, held on May 22nd in Downtown Baltimore.
Co-hosted by Smart Growth Maryland and Our Zero Waste Future, the summit brought together community leaders, policymakers, nonprofit professionals, and industry experts to explore the transformative potential of building deconstruction in Maryland. The nearly 50 participants heard experiences with deconstruction from communities across the country, including from Quest Jolliffe who manages King County Washington’s waste diversion program and Milwaukee’s Alderman Bauman and his journey to implement a deconstruction policy in the city.
The crowd also heard passionate cases for documenting the stories of buildings that are coming down from Mae Bowley of Re:Building Exchange in Chicago, and the mic drop “the landfill does not deserve these materials, our communities do” from San Antonio’s Circular Economy lead Stephanie Phillips. Attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions, shared innovative ideas, and took part in collaborative brainstorming around how material reuse and circular economy practices can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future in Maryland.
Our Zero Waste Future shared an update on their advocacy efforts for the Re:BUILD Act for the City of Baltimore, and Leslie Kirkland, executive director, of The Loading Dock shared that 65% of their materials go into rehabilitation projects for low-to-moderate income households. Smart Growth Maryland unveiled their model deconstruction ordinance, designed to be replicated in communities throughout the state who wish to explore deconstruction.
From inspiring case studies to practical policy tools, the day was packed with valuable insights. We’re especially grateful to the incredible speakers from across the country who lent their expertise and to everyone who helped shape the conversation.