The Harford County “Green Star” and “Innovation in Harford County” programs were recently awarded an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).  The award is given annually to those programs that demonstrate an innovative approach to local governance.

Launched in the summer of 2010, the “Innovation in Harford County” provides residents with an online forum to submit ideas to the community for review, comment, and voting.

The Green Star program recognizes county employees that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and resource management.  Since the program was launch in June 2010, 41 Green Stars have been awarded to representatives of 16 departments.

Executive Craig released the following statement in regards to the achievement of the two programs:

“It is always nice to be honored by a national organization such as NACo for initiatives we have implemented. These two programs are representative of our greater effort to be a leader in the state of Maryland in introducing new technologies that improve the government process. Innovation and efficiency might just be buzzwords to some, but we see them as essential to good governance in the 21st century.”