The Pennsylvania Municipal League recognized Lancaster as the first community to receive sustainable Pennsylvania community certification under the league's new statewide program.
Lancaster was recognized at the gold level of certification for meeting the program's performance criteria, which tracks 131 policies and practices that define a sustainable community.
During its annual convention, PML announced the initiative designed for municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources and serve vibrant communities. The league-administered program is a free, voluntary online certification system that provides a structure and performance platform for recognition of municipalities as they embrace sustainable policies and programs.
PEL represents Pennsylvania's cities, townships, town, boroughs, and home rule communities. Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray is its first vice president.
In earning the gold certification, Lancaster was acknowledged for its progress in addressing such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, mitigating blight, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations, PML executive director Richard Schuettler said in a statement.
Lancaster, 40 miles southeast of Harrisburg and the seat of its namesake county, has an A1 general obligation bond rating from Moody's Investors Service and a AA rating from Fitch Ratings.
