Palm Beach County names Green Cay Learning Center after longtime staffer Todd Von Laren

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion to name the Green Cay Learning Center building for Todd Von Laren, a longtime county public servant, concluding a boardwide tribute to mark his retirement.

Commissioner Sachs moved to name the building; Commissioner Flores seconded the motion, and Mayor [name on record] announced the motion carried 7-0. The vote followed a series of remarks from elected officials, staff and community partners praising Von Laren's role in securing funding for local projects and mentoring county leaders.

“Palm Beach County is losing a legend,” said Craig Mosteller of the Florida Association of Counties, praising Von Laren’s willingness to help colleagues and partners. Other commissioners and speakers highlighted Von Laren’s work advancing water projects, appropriations for the FAU medical school and long-standing relationships in Tallahassee and Washington. The board presented the honor during a public ceremony and invited Von Laren to speak.

Von Laren, who called the recognition “an incredible honor,” thanked county staff, his family and county leaders. “The team at Water Utilities is second to none in putting this together,” he said, expressing gratitude to the board and to county administrators for their leadership.

Tisha, speaking for Congresswoman Lois Frankel, read excerpts of a congressional tribute that was entered into the Congressional Record honoring Von Laren’s public service to Palm Beach County.

The board recessed the recognition after a group photo and then moved on to the work session on housing policy.

The naming motion is recorded in the meeting minutes and passed unanimously. The county did not announce any changes to the Green Cay Learning Center’s operations as part of the naming; the designation is an honorary recognition by the Board of County Commissioners.