The City of Mountlake Terrace is now accepting nominations for its ninth annual Evergreen Awards program that builds community pride, enhances the city’s image, and promotes conservation. The city started this program in 2009 to recognize property owners who take great care of their properties.

There are five categories of awards: Best Maintained Residence, Best Maintained Business, Best Maintained Multifamily Property, Most Sustainable Property and Best Transformation. Nominees are evaluated with properties in the same neighborhood: Cedar Terrace, Gateway, Lake Ballinger, Melody Hill, Cascade View and Town Center.

Best Maintained Awards reflect the efforts of the owners or occupants whose high standards for building and yard maintenance contribute to the overall character of the neighborhoods and city. The Transformation Awards recognize neglected properties renovated to become assets to the community.

Citizens are encouraged to help the city find those hidden gems that have been significantly improved, especially over the past year.

The Sustaitable Award honors property owners who best utilize green features such as solar heating, natural cooling and native landscaping to help protect and preserve the environment.

Nomination forms are available online and will be accepted through May 31, 2018. Those interested may also send an email to cityhall@ci.mlt.wa.us with Evergreen Awards in the subject line and include the address, category, and reason for nominating the property. Anyone can submit a nomination and a property owner may nominate their own home or business. Properties being marketed for sale are not eligible.

Properties will be photographed for judging and for a presentation at the awards ceremony, which takes place in September.

For more information, visit www.cityofmlt.com  or contact Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen at 425-744-6206 or volsen@ci.mlt.wa.us.