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In April 2008, the Virginia Municipal League (VML) introduced the Green Government Challenge at regional Go Green Virginia forums across the Commonwealth. Forty-one (41) VML-member local governments participated in the Challenge and twenty-six (26) of them obtained the 100 points or more needed to receive certification. A sample of the Green Government Challenge can be found here. The City of Harrisonburg and Town of Dayton were awarded certificates in October 2008 at VML’s annual conference.

Additionally, the Town of Dayton won a $2,000 award for second place in the Green Government Challege in the under 15,000 population category. They scored 145 total points and although Dayton does not know yet how it will spend its money, it will be of course for “something related to environmental sustainability.” A full list of Virginia Green certified local governments can be found here.

The Virginia Municipal League’s Go Green Virginia initiative (GoGreenVA) recognizes that communities need to take innovative steps to reduce energy usage and promote sustainability. The initiative has several components that will unfold throughout 2008, including a series of regional forums that will be held across the state in April and publication of a “best practices” Green Book later in the year.

Most importantly, member local governments are urged to participate in a friendly competition known as the Green Government Challenge. The “Challenge” is designed to encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that not only reduce carbon emissions, but can save local governments money.

Follow these links to find out how each locality scored:

• City of Harrisonburg (100 pts)
• Town of Dayton (145 pts)

Thank you to Brenda  Stearn, Dayton’s Risk Management & Policies Coordinator, for her help in providing information for this post. Questions and comments about Dayton’s green initiatives can be directed to Ms. Stearn at bstearn [at] daytonva [dot] us. Questions and comments about Harrisonburg’s green initiatives can be directed to Thanh Dang, Public Works Planner, at thanhd [at] harrisonburgva [dot] gov.