2015 Maryland Sustainable Growth Forum and Awards Ceremony
Presented by the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission
The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate significant achievement by individuals, businesses, organizations and local governments to realize the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact and quality of life. The commission also will celebrate the student winners of the collegiate Sustainable Growth Challenge.
This year’s third annual Sustainable Growth Forum and awards presentation was held on February 24 at the President’s Conference Center in the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis. Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell delivered the keynote.
2015 Sustainable Growth awards
The Commission recognized the following people and projects during its award ceremony and forum on February 24. The commission also presented the 2014 Sustainable Growth Challenge student competition winners.
Karl Brendle
For a lifetime of service and commitment to smart growth. Awarded posthumously. Karl served as Economic Development Officer and Director of Community Planning and Business Services for the city of Laurel and as a member of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission (Leadership & Service
Watch a brief video about the award
Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Baltimore
For leadership in strengthening neighborhoods in central Baltimore, focusing on lower- and middle-income neighborhoods, improving public schools and facilitating investment, community organizing and leadership development (Leadership & Service)
Watch a brief video about the award
Spike Gjerde, Owner and Chef of Woodberry Kitchen
For commitment to local farmers and providing them with a reliable market for high-quality products and supporting the rural economy (Leadership & Service)
Watch a brief video about the award
Farm Alliance of Baltimore City
For helping transform neighborhoods by removing blight and bringing life and purpose back to often-forgotten parts of the community, through increasing food access, creating viable farms, revitalizing vacant lots and building vibrant urban communities (Smart Growth Communities)
Watch a brief video about the award
Homewood Community Partners Initiative, Baltimore
For focusing on solutions to urban blight, generational poverty and social struggles by collaborating on projects as varied as erecting homes and businesses on former vacant lots to planning community festivals (Smart Growth Communities)
Watch a brief video about the award
Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Branch of the Washington County Free Library
For choosing to rebuild and renovate a 50-year-old building in the heart of downtown Hagerstown contributing to the continued success of its revitalization (Smart Growth Communities)
Watch a brief video about the award
Ocean City Development Corporation Façade Improvement Program
For reversing the trend to demolish dilapidated structures and convert them into surface parking lots, providing financial assistance and incentives to renovate Ocean City buildings with a focus on their public face (Smart Growth Communities)
Watch a brief video about the award
Evergreen Heritage Center, Frostburg
For showcasing best practices in environmental conservation and providing an example of how to live off the land while protecting it for future generations, providing environmental education programs, healthy living programs to organizations, experiential learning for college students and workshops on best practices in sustainable agriculture and forestry (Preservation/Conservation)
Watch a brief video about the award
The third annual forum featured the keynote address by Edward G. Rendell (Governor of Pennsylvania 2003-2011; Mayor of Philadelphia 1992 – 2000) speaking on “Reinvesting in Infrastructure, Rebuilding Communities."
After 34 years of public service, including 24 years as an elected official, Governor Rendell continues to pursue a commitment to making America a cleaner, more efficient place. Of paramount importance to Governor Rendell is America's need to rebuild and reinvest in its infrastructure. As governor, Rendell worked with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to create Building America's Future, an organization focused on the need for a more significant investment in American infrastructure. Governor Rendell serves as co-chair of the organization and travels throughout the country to promote the need for infrastructure reinvestment.
