By Tom Reynolds, MML Senior Director, Leadership Development
In 2014, the Maryland Municipal League entered a partnership with a new program called Sustainable Maryland Certified. Now known simply as Sustainable Maryland, the program is part of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland (EFC). Designed to support the state’s 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. Sustainable Maryland uses best practices in resource areas like water, energy, planning, health, food, and economy to advance the sustainability visions of Maryland’s cities and towns.
This free and voluntary program helps communities choose a direction that suits their sustainability efforts. Participating cities and towns choose from a variety of “actions” where they can apply program tools, trainings, case studies, and other sustainability resources.
Currently, 88 Maryland municipalities participate in the Sustainable Maryland program, and 41 of those have achieved certification by completing actions that best align with the needs and goals of their communities. This symbiosis between local government and the community it serves represents the core of the Sustainable Maryland program.