Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Gwinnett wins national sustainable communities award

The National Association of Counties (NACo) today announced that Gwinnett County, Ga. is one of 10 recipients of its prestigious 2006-2007 Center for Sustainable Communities Awards and earned special recognition as one of three Outstanding Practices Award winners, which carries a cash prize of $2,500.

The awards, presented every two years by NACo’s Center for Sustainable Communities, recognize the most effective and innovative county-led partnerships with the private sector, other governments or community groups in developing economically prosperous, environmentally safe, and socially equitable communities.

The county was honored for the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. (See project description below.) Honorees received their awards during a reception this evening at NACo headquarters in Washington, D.C. Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges.

“I commend everyone who was involved in developing these outstanding community partnerships,” said NACo President Eric Coleman, commissioner, Oakland County, Mich. “It is our hope that the national awards will spotlight your communities’ great achievements and inspire others across the country to explore similar strategies to develop vibrant and sustainable communities.”

NACo’s Center for Sustainable Communities primary mission is to provide a forum for county leaders to work with other governments, the private sector, and communities to develop policies and programs that will lead to economic enhancement, environmental stewardship and social well-being — the three pillars of sustainable communities. The center helps local elected officials build sustainable communities by promoting community leadership initiatives, facilitating multi-jurisdictional and public-private partnerships, providing technical assistance and training, and conducting community policy and educational forums.

The sponsors for the 2007 Center for Sustainable Communities Awards Program include: Bank of America, the International Center of Shopping Centers, the Institute for Building Technology and Safety, the National Association of Home Builders, and the National Association of Realtors.

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