ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today presented the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards on behalf of the
Sustainable Growth Subcabinet. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives with outstanding care towards sustainability throughout the state.
“Sustainability is not just good for the environment – it’s good for the economy,”
said Gov. Moore. “I want to congratulate this year’s Sustainable Growth Award recipients for being the best of Maryland. Their work will help address the housing crisis, create new jobs, and attract businesses to the state—all while protecting our treasured heirlooms.”
Governor Moore was joined by Maryland Department of Planning Secretary and Sustainable Growth Subcabinet Chair Rebecca Flora, AICP; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day; and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz for the award presentation ceremony.
The Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations that undertake advocacy, education or other outreach to advance public support for sustainable growth methods. This year,
Peter Claggett received the award for his research with the U.S. Geological Survey on land use issues, which informs conservation and restoration decisions in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River watersheds.
The Project Award recognizes the application of best practices in sustainable design and construction of physical buildings, infrastructure or landscapes. This year, the
Baltimore Street Redevelopment Project was recognized for their transformative $17 million investment to revitalize both above and below-grade design along Baltimore Street in Cumberland, Maryland.
The Policy Award recognizes the adoption and implementation of public policies, regulations, and plans supporting sustainable land use planning and development practices.
Retool Gaithersburg received the award this year, recognizing the comprehensive overhaul of Gaithersburg’s zoning code designed to foster resilience, expand opportunities, and support sustainable growth. The project will create a regulatory framework that empowers residents, businesses, and workers, while reflecting both local and state goals for the city’s future development.
“The 2025 award recipients showcase various types of decision-making that inform a balanced approach to growth and development to create multiple community benefits.”
said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary and Sustainable Growth Subcabinet Chair Rebecca L. Flora. “These awardees are examples of how Marylanders are leading the way for evolving how we consider policy, planning and projects as key drivers of economic growth and resilience through innovative and adaptive approaches to growth policy. On behalf of the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet, congratulations to the recipients for their outstanding efforts in furthering sustainable growth and for inspiring similar work in communities across our state.”
“Maryland must grow—smartly and sustainably—to deliver on the aspirations of Maryland businesses and families,”
said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “When we build compact, beautiful and memorable places, whether housing or commercial and recreational hubs or a thriving mix of all three, Maryland communities win. When we build lovable places, designed in an intentional and responsible way that adheres to or enhances a community’s existing charm and character, Maryland communities win. Ultimately, great places win. To each of the 2025 award winners, congratulations, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to creating great lovable places.”
“Sustainable development in Maryland ensures we’re managing the expansion of our cities and towns carefully to protect the vital natural areas and wildlife diversity that make this beautiful state such a wonderful place to live,”
said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “The award winners this year exemplify this important work and I want to congratulate them for their achievements.”
For more information about each award recipient, visit the Maryland Department of Planning’s
website and
YouTube channel.
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