Awards for Municipal Excellence Recognize Cities that are “Going Green”
by Lara Malakoff
The Awards for Municipal Excellence honor quality-of-life improvements in cities and towns across the country. As we celebrate 20 years of the Awards program, we look back at innovative projects that give future generations the chance to experience and enjoy American cities and towns. Over the last two decades, 25 award-winning programs have been recognized for their efforts to preserve environmental resources.
- Lenexa, Kansas’ Rain to Recreation Program was an environmentally sound approach to addressing flood control. The program saved the city money, reduced flooding, protected water quality and the environment, and provided new opportunities for recreation.
- Roanoke, Virginia’s Every Drop Counts Program helped citizens use water wisely in the face of the 2001–2002 drought and beyond. In 2002 as a result of the program, citizens reduced water consumption by 1.3 million gallons a day from 2001.
- San Diego, California’s “Green Building” Demonstration Project was the city’s first and most energy efficient “green” building, serving as a model of innovation and sustainability. During its first functioning year, the building’s energy expenses were reduced by $77,000, a 67 percent savings, and by 89,000 in the next year.
Visit http://www.nlc.org/ame.aspx to learn more about the Awards for Municipal Excellence and to access the 2009 nomination packet. The deadline for all submissions is May 1st, 2009. Direct questions or requests for further information to awards@nlc.org or (202) 626-3130.
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