Nominations are open for GrowSmart Maine’s fourth annual Smart Growth Award competition.

The deadline to submit nominations is Tuesday, Aug. 3.

Smart growth is a common-sense concept that helps communities welcome — and manage — growth while still maintaining their historic feel and natural beauty, according to a news release from GrowSmart Maine.

The awards showcase the kind of projects, plans and policies that support smart growth in all its diversity, whether it’s a plan for a walkable and inclusive village center, a development that is affordable and sustainably built, a successful new transit endeavor, or a community-supported adaptation to climate change that safeguards the built or natural environment.

Past years’ Maine Smart Growth Awards have recognized a tenant-driven housing co-op, mixed-use infill, community forest conservation, the reinvention of a former manufacturing community, and an individual achievement award for an influential revitalization champion.

As in the past, this year’s criteria will be grounded in the GrowSmart Maine’s principles of smart growth.

This year’s award recipients are to be announced at the 2021 GrowSmart Maine Summit on Nov. 4. The summit will be based at the Pepperell Mill in Biddeford, with satellite locations in communities across the state, and optional virtual attendance via Zoom.

“We love the opportunity we have every year to highlight and honor the great work being done across the state as people work to strengthen communities, protect open spaces, and build opportunity for all Mainers. These awards showcase what is possible when people involve a broad range of local stakeholders and neighbors, take a long-term view, and thoughtfully consider how the form and location of development can contribute to community life and increase the value of the places they serve,” said GrowSmart Maine board Chairman Ben Smith of North Star Planning.

For more information, visit MESmartGrowthAwards.

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