IACT helps keep the 'green' in Greencastle

Monday, September 8, 2014

For the sixth time in seven years, the City of Greencastle has been named a Green Community of the Year.

And if that seems to be getting to be old hat, that old hat at least needs to be green.

After a one-year absence from the honor in 2013, Greencastle is one of three Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) selected as 2014 Green Communities of the Year.

On Wednesday, Greencastle will join the cities of Fort Wayne and Whiting in receiving formal honors during an annual awards luncheon during the IACT Annual Conference and Exhibition in Fort Wayne.

The city's exemplary efforts in the area of green programs earned Greencastle the 2014 IACT Green Community of the Year award in the 10,000-49,999 population category.

Meanwhile, Fort Wayne claims the 50,000-plus distinction and Whiting has been selected among communities of less than 5,000 residents.

Competing in the 5,000-10,000 population category prior to 2011, Greencastle won the honor in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

With the city's population now topping 10,000, Greencastle has moved into the 10,000-49,000 tier and has captured that category three of the past four years, only losing out to Westfield in 2013.

All that prompted Mayor Sue Murray to quip after receiving 2013 award, "I don't know where Brad (Public Works Director Phillips) is going to put another sign but he'll find a spot for it."

IACT launched the Green Communities Initiative in 2008 to identify potential cost savings to communities facing budget shortfalls, promote economically competitive quality of life concepts, and ultimately serve as role models for citizens while better protecting our environment.

Representatives from participating cities had to fill out a 49-question survey in the areas of purchasing, operations, measuring success and sample projects.

Not only did Fort Wayne, Greencastle and Whiting meet the minimum score required to be a Green Community, they earned the highest score in their population category to become a 2014 IACT Green Community of the Year.

IACT is a coalition of municipal officials who seek to improve the quality of life in Indiana through effective government. IACT is a member of the National League of Cities.

Founded in 1891, IACT is one of the oldest state municipal organizations in the country, with 465 cities and towns as members. IACT advocates for municipalities as the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, and promotes good government through education, training and leadership.

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