Jon Laria Receives Building Industry Award

Jon M. Laria, Managing Partner of Ballard Spahr's Baltimore office, was honored with the Maryland Building Industry Association's (MBIA) "Associate of the Year" Award last night at the organization's Awards of Excellence dinner in Hanover.

MBIA—a statewide trade organization with more than 1,000 member firms—presents the award annually to associate members who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to the home building industry on the local, state, and national levels. Associate members are those from businesses that provide products or services to the home building industry, including legal services.

Mr. Laria, one of the region's leading real estate and land use attorneys, is a longtime MBIA member and has served as Chair of the Baltimore City chapter for the past year. He has led the chapter in addressing local legislation, policy changes, and new regulations that affect the housing and building industry.

"I am honored to receive this award from an organization I truly admire," said Mr. Laria. "The MBIA shares my belief that fostering partnerships within the building industry is vital, and that a strong industry group is essential to assuring progressive and equitable policymaking by elected and appointed officials."

Mr. Laria represents real estate owners, developers, and lenders in development, financing, acquisition, and leasing transactions. He has provided counsel on prominent projects throughout the area in land use, zoning, and government affairs. Among his many leadership positions, he was the founding chair of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, which develops policy on land use and development issues facing the state.

The MBIA was formed in 2014 after a merger between two local associations with more than 175 years of combined experience. With chapters throughout the state, the MBIA is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders, which advocates for the building industry with a commitment to maximizing business opportunities.