The Garrett County Department of Business Development encourages local businesses, organizations, community leaders, and local governments to apply for the 2027 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements that advance smart, sustainable growth throughout Maryland.
Presented by the Maryland Department of Planning in partnership with the Maryland Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, the awards honor projects, programs, policies, and individuals that are creating resilient, inclusive, and vibrant communities while supporting long-term economic, environmental, and community well-being.
Eligible nominations include individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments whose projects, programs, or policies were completed—or are scheduled for completion—between January 2025 and December 2026. State-level programs, projects, and policies are not eligible.
Nominees will be evaluated based on five core criteria:
- Demonstrated positive impact
- Replicability in other communities
- Collaboration among partners
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Long-term sustainability and endurance
Nominations will be evaluated on five core measures:
- Impact: meaningful, measurable positive change.
- Replicability: models that can be adapted by other communities.
- Collaboration: strong partnerships and teamwork.
- Innovation: bold, new, or creative solutions.
- Endurance: built for long-term success.
Award Categories:
- Leadership - honors individuals and organizations championing sustainable growth through advocacy, education, and community outreach.
- Project - Recognizes excellence in the design, construction, or implementation of sustainable buildings, infrastructure, landscapes, or places.
- Policy - Highlights impactful local policies, regulations, or plans that support sustainable land use and development practices.
Recipients of the 2027 Sustainable Growth Awards will receive a Sustainable Growth Award, a Governor's Citation, and an invitation to be recognized during an awards ceremony at the Maryland State House in spring 2027.
"The Sustainable Growth Awards are an excellent opportunity to showcase the innovative work taking place in communities across Maryland," said Kim Durst, Business Development Manager for Garrett County. "We encourage Garrett County businesses, organizations, local governments, and community leaders to submit nominations and gain statewide recognition for the positive impact they are making."
Nominations are being accepted from August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026..
For additional information about the award program, eligibility requirements, and the nomination process, visit the Maryland Department of Planning's Sustainable Growth Awards webpage.
