Nominations accepted through December 20.
The annual Sustainable Growth Awards (Awards) traditionally presented by the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) are being presented by the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet (SGSC) in 2025 to broaden participation and reflect the multiple disciplines of sustainability that are encompassed in the membership of the SGSC that includes fourteen agency secretaries, the governor’s office and the National Center for Smart Growth.
The awards recognize and celebrate significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments throughout Maryland for their efforts to advance sustainable growth policies, practices and projects that are models for duplication by others.
Award Categories
The following categories will be utilized in determining the type of initiative the nomination is best aligned with. The SGSC reserves the right to reclassify nominations and may identify more than one awardee for each category and/or identify an exemplary nomination that goes far beyond others in achievements.
Leadership
The Leadership category recognizes individuals and organizations that undertake advocacy, education or other outreach to advance public support for sustainable growth methods.
Projects
The Project category showcases the application of best practices in sustainable design and construction of physical buildings, places, infrastructure or landscapes.
Policy
The Policy category features the adoption and/or implementation of public policies, regulations and/or plans supporting sustainable land use planning and development practices.
The awards nomination brochure provides more detail on the specific information on eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines. Nominations are being accepted through December 20 and submitted using the online nomination form. The SGSC reserves the right to reject any or all submissions that are deemed to not meet the intent of the awards.
