Milton has ascended to “Gold” status for Green Communities – a hard-earned reflection of the City’s commitment to support and safeguard the environment for generations to come.

Every five years, the City outlines its multi-faceted sustainability efforts in its Green Communities application to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The ARC team reviews every local government’s submission, then decides whether they’re worthy of bronze-through-platinum honors (if any award at all).

In 2021, Milton jumped to the “Silver” level of Green Communities for the first time. This year’s “Gold” honors, which the Atlanta Regional Commission announced Wednesday afternoon, represents yet another historic milestone for the City. 

“Smart, sensible sustainable projects, practices, and policies serve our citizens well in the short- and long-term,” said Public Works Director Sara Leaders. “It’s not always easy but it is important – which is why the City has worked diligently on such initiatives, and why this Gold recognition is really worth celebrating.” 

Administered locally by the Atlanta Regional Commission as part of a national program, Green Communities recognizes local governments that invest in programs and policies to reduce their environmental footprint and foster a more sustainable planet. Nine such communities officially earned their awards at Wednesday’s ceremony in Atlanta.

All applying local government were assessed across 10 categories ranging from water efficiency to land use to education and innovation, each of which had their own specific criteria.  Milton scored points across the board for things like:

• Conducting energy audits, including recommendations, for all City facilities
• Several recycling initiatives, including drop-off locations and regular events for electronics, batteries, household hazardous waste, etc.
• Work to develop a greenspace plan (which in Milton is its “Greenprint”)
• Becoming named a Tree City USA and Community Wildlife Habitat
• Working to improve traffic signal synchronization to ease congestion, reduce idling
• Extensive public communications on various sustainability-related initiatives

Milton’s rise – indicative of stepped-up efforts since 2021 – shows the City is taking more environmentally-friendly measures than ever. And there is more to come, including recycling events, public education campaigns, and supports of smart growth.