What is Sustainable Maryland Certified?
- Founded in 2010, the initiative is based on the already established Sustainable Jersey initiative;
- The program identifies concrete actions that municipalities can implement to become "certified" and be considered leaders on the path to a sustainable community;
- It links or creates incentives for municipalities that are making progress toward the actions, e.g. by providing access to grants, and identifying existing and new funding opportunities;
- "Certified" municipalities gain prestige, receive awards and recognition;
How will EFC go about helping municipalities?
- Sustainable Maryland Certified will offer a menu of actions, allowing communities to choose activities specific to their needs and plan across community priorities to achieve multiple community benefits.
- Certification actions will be based on best practices as identified by sector-specific task forces of resource protection and economic development experts under the direction of an Executive Committee that will provide guidance and structure to the program development process;
- The EFC is currently in the process for forming its task forces. These task forces include:
- One of ten University-based centers across the country providing communities with the tools and information necessary to manage change for a healthy environment and an enhanced quality of life.
- Believes environmental finance can be used to develop a shared community vision.
- Uses the following tools:
- Technical Assistance
- Financing charrettes and seminars
- Conferences and workshop sessions
- Handbooks and publications
- Training programs
- Program facilitation, coordination, and management
I spoke with Joanne Throwe, director of the EFC yesterday. It looks like there is a good possibility for collaboration, especially with their "local economies" task force. I think we would be able to extend their impact without duplicating what they are trying to do. Moreover, this is at present strictly a municipal program, and most municipalities are facing some form of distress, so we would meet that criteria as well.
ReplyDelete