State Government in Action

State agencies will be showcased for the ongoing work they are completing as we change the way we do business and become more efficient through sustainability efforts. Projects will be identified and where applicable contain the address and contact information so they can be viewed in person.

The Genuine Progress Indicator – Just another tool or tomorrow’s vision?

How much is a gallon of gasoline? Everyone could come within a few cents at guessing the price. The guessing game really starts when trying to factor in the environment and human impacts. How much is that stream or wetland in your neighborhood worth? Now, rather than being able to come up with a reasonable estimation, it becomes a speculative and emotional decision. This is one of many factors which led to the introduction of the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) in Maryland.

Discover the differences between Gross State Product (GSP) and the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI). GSP values services such as a wetland at zero, while the GPI creates values for economic, environmental and social indicators. Learn how the GPI relates these elements to our daily lives.

The Genuine Progress Indicator is designed to create value
for economic, environmental and social services.

Mapping

Maryland is a leader in connecting citizens and services with the use of interactive maps. At one site, the public can get information pertaining to them on health and public safety, environmental issues and services available. The site is one of the many tools used by Maryland State Government to operate efficiently and plan for the future.

http://mdimap.towson.edu/portal/.

Grant Opportunities

Maryland state agencies offering grants can be found in the Red Book. Review the red book online and search for grants by topic or project type. The Carter Library and Information Research Center at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers a list of grant opportunities. Also check out opportunities the Governor's Grants Office has to offer.

Maryland Publications

Various publications prepared by the state will be featured here and archived on a monthly basis. This spot will feature different interests every month.

Current Feature:
Going Green Downtown - A Sustainability Guide For Maryland's Main Streets

From Oakland to Ocean City, Maryland’s citizens share the same goal of living in healthy, vibrant communities where they can live, work and prosper. As a result, communities have a major investment in the infrastructure — streetscapes, schools, water/sewer lines — of their traditional downtowns and neighborhoods. These communities are also faced with the challenges of the coming decades including an increasing population, rising energy costs, limited resources, water and air pollution, and climate change.

Find Other DNR Publications
http://dnr.maryland.gov/irc/digitaldocs.html

Locate Services by State Agency

Visit the Maryland.gov website to learn about all of the different services the State of Maryland offers. The link below is organized by category and highlights the services offered. The site also lists other ideas and contact information.

Join the Sustainability Network

The Sustainability Network is a place where interested citizens, businesses and organizations can share ideas on projects and make connections between others who share their interest.