Edmonds Gets 'Going Green Award'

The City of Edmonds was presented an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) 2012 Municipal Excellence Award during this year’s annual awards ceremony.

Now in its 22nd year, the Excellence Awards recognize innovative municipal projects that significantly improve the quality of life for citizens, establish partnerships and build community support.

The Municipal Excellence Awards are a showcase of exceptional initiatives in Washington and are presented to cities that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting community excellence in nine categories, i.e., Going Green; Community Service; Economic Development; Hometown Spirit; Public Safety; Public Works and Small City Successes.

The competition, which is open to any Washington city or town, recognizes a community’s achievement and encourages other cities to develop similar programs.

Associate planner Jen Machuga, working with planning and other City staff, wrote and submitted the grant application on behalf of Edmonds.

The Going Green award is presented to cities that do their part to help the environment, reduce energy use and reduce pollution. The City of Edmonds Web site, Edmondswa.gov, contains sustainability Web pages that highlight many of the sustainability initiatives included in the application submitted to the Association of Washington Cities.

“The City of Edmonds is committed to taking a leadership role in the area of sustainability and integrating related principles into city operations,” said Mayor Dave Earling.

Stephen Clifton, director of Community Services and Economic Development, noted that numerous local groups helped in getting the award—among them the Climate Protection Committee, Wildlife Habitat & Sustainability, Friends of the Edmonds Marsh, Sustainable Edmonds and Edmonds Community Solar Cooperative.

"Thank you for your efforts and countless hours helping create a more sustainable environment," Clifton said. "Your commitment benefits the citizens, environment, and economy of Edmonds."