2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards Ceremony

Presented by the Maryland Department of Planning

This year's ninth annual Sustainable Growth Awards presentation was held as virtual ceremony on December 16, 2021.

The Maryland Department of Planning recognized the following people and projects during its virtual award ceremony on December 16, 2021.

Leadership & Service

For activities or accomplishments that advance public appreciation, understanding, or involvement in promoting smart growth and sustainable communities at the state, regional, or lo​cal level.​

Greg Bowen

Rosa Hance

Sustainable Communities

For facilitating or creating development that addresses at least one
or more of Maryland’s 12 Planning Visions.

Black Women Build – Baltimore

The EMAGE Center - Citywide Youth Development

Plan2040, the General Development Plan for Anne Arundel County

College of Southern Maryland Velocity Center

Montgomery County Complete Streets Design Guide

Preservation and Conservation

For accomplishments in protecting or improving farms, forests, natural resources and the waters of Maryland.

Carroll County Agricultural Land Preservation Program

Frederick County's Agriculture Innovation Grants Program

J.C. Parks Elementary School - Connecting to our Watershed!

​	Gaithersburg Discover Park ​ Gaithersburg’s Discovery Park is a 15-acre parkland that features 5 walking trails, 5 picnic structures, 2 playgrounds, a secret butterfly garden, a four-square court, and Gaithersburg’s first Gaga pit, which is a form of dodgeball. About 3 acres of the property was developed to support the health of the protected sensitive areas on the property, including the forest conservation easements related to the stream valley buffer and the wetlands. The Discovery Park project exemplifies the power of partnerships between businesses, residents, and the city for sustainable growth. Prior to 2013, 6.5 acres of the 14.95-acre property were owned by Medimmune, now AstraZeneca; the land was gifted to the city to be become what is now, Discovery Park.
​	Jason Groth ​​Jason Groth has been a champion of planning and growth management. His extensive career has made a lasting, positive impact on the staff in the Charles County Department of Planning & Growth Management, while improving the custo​mer experience of the citizens and business community.
​​	​ Values to Vision: Alternative Futures for Columbia, University of Maryland ​​​​ Values to Vision: Alternative Futures for Columbia is the product of a Fall 2020 Master of Community Planning studio course at the University of Maryland was a comprehensive look at alternative futures for Columbia New Town, itself an icon of Smart Growth planning in Maryland. The Plan evaluates the impact of four future scenarios on outcomes such as quality of life, racial equity, and Columbia, Maryland’s unique identity as a diverse new town.