From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Prince George's County's Sustainable "Green" Communities are members of SMC!

Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) is a new initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland (EFC) designed to support Maryland's 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. Using best practices in resource areas like water, energy, planning, health, food, and economy, a municipality can earn points toward sustainability certification.

This free and voluntary program, with the full support of the Maryland Municipal League (MML), helps communities choose a direction for their greening efforts; complete their chosen actions with help from program tools, trainings, case studies, and other resources; and be recognized for their accomplishments. Sustainable Maryland Certified offers a menu of actions, allowing communities to choose activities specific to their needs and plan across community priorities to achieve multiple community benefits.

SMC encourages municipalities to consider the community as a whole. At the core of SMC is the local government/community partnership. Thus, we hope that the entire community will work in conjunction with the local government to achieve certification.

The following ten municipalities in Prince George's County have been certified as green communities by Sustainable Maryland Certified.

Mount Rainier

Hyattsville

Edmonston

Colmar Manor

College Park

Town of Berwyn Heights

Town of Cheverly

City of Greenbelt

Town of Riverdale Park

Town of University Park

Three other municipalities are in the process of becoming certified by Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC)

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.