The Smart Growth Awards program, sponsored by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Commission, is currently accepting nominations for each of its seven categories. The 8th annual awards will honor projects and activities that have exemplified excellence in its execution of the ideals and goals of Maryland's Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation program. The program, which safeguards Maryland's land and resources, strengthens existing communities, reduces sprawl and saves tax dollars, is introducing a new award this year: "Smart Business Practices and Economic Development."
The awards ceremony and presentation will be held at Maryland's Economic Development Association's Fall meeting. The meeting and awards ceremony are currently scheduled in Baltimore on Thursday, Sept. 19. Call 410-767-6851 or visit www.smartgrowth.state.md.us to receive an award application. Applications for the 2002 awards are due Wednesday, July 31.
The categories for this year's awards are as follows:
* The Florence Beck Kurdle Award for Community Activism and Achievement is awarded to a Maryland individual who had worked to make Smart Growth a reality.
* Government Innovation is the award presented to the state or local government entity that has established an innovative, creative and effective project to manage growth. This program should strengthen existing communities, save financial resources and protect the environment as well.
* The Journalism and Media award will honor an individual writer, journalist, editor, team of writers or media organization as recognition of extraordinary media coverage of Smart Growth programs in Maryland. Newspaper, magazine, video, Internet, broadcast and special publication submissions will be accepted.
* Redevelopment and Revitalization is presented to large-scale projects in established communities which adds vitality to neighborhoods and urban centers while finding new use for existing structures. This project should be a catalyst for community rejuvenation and economic growth.
* School Construction/ Renovation will honor the state or local government that renews an existing neighborhood's ability to provide quality public schools and facilities by renovating existing structures or constructs new facilities in Priority Funding Areas.
* Smart Development awards new residential and commercial development projects that incorporate Smart Growth principles. The programs should offer a sense of place, a blend of commercial, residential and civic uses and efficient use of land and infrastructure.
* Public Education and Outreach will be presented to programs that encourage increased citizen involvement in land-use decision-making processes and awareness of Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation principles. Programs that will be considered include those aimed at the general population as well as those educating elementary and secondary school students.