North Charleston Receives National Award for Sustainable Urban Revitalization project

North Charleston, SC, was chosen as one of eight cities to receive the Award for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities (NLC).  The city was honored Friday, December 3 at a ceremony during NLC’s annual Congress of Cities & Exposition in Denver, Colo.  North Charleston was chosen as a Silver winner in the 50,001 to 150,000 population category for the Sustainable Urban Revitalization project.

The Sustainable Urban Revitalization project in North Charleston brought together public, private and non-governmental organizations to help revitalize the city impacted by the closure of the Charleston Naval Base.  The project has rejuvenated the East Montague Business District, which includes the first LEED Platinum building in South Carolina; created the Oak Terrace Preserve, a green housing development; and several new public schools including the LEED-certified North Charleston Elementary School and Charleston County’s School for the Arts.  North Charleston’s project has benefitted the community through increased economic development projects, new sustainable neighborhoods and the restoration of historic buildings and streetscapes.

Read the full award application here.

“The City of North Charleston has worked diligently to transform its urban core into a sustainable city center to increase the overall quality of life of our residents.  Over the past few years, we have seen a welcomed influx of young families, complemented by new businesses to provide an economic boost for our City,” said Mayor R. Keith Summey.  “North Charleston will continue burgeoning to become an even greater place to live, work, and play.”

As a Silver winner, North Charleston will receive an award of $1,000, which will be donated to the community non-profit of the city’s choice, the Sustainability Institute.

“We congratulate North Charleston and its Sustainable Urban Revitalization project for receiving an Award for Municipal Excellence,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC executive director.  “North Charleston’s program has improved the quality of life for all citizens by developing a creative solution to a pressing local problem.”

The Awards for Municipal Excellence recognize city programs that improve the quality of life in local communities through creative collaboration, excellence in city government and best practices in municipal policy.

Additional information regarding the awards program can be found at http://www.nlc.org/ame.aspx.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.