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2026 Smart Growth Awards
The Mission of Smart Growth Awards
Since 2002, New Jersey Future has honored smart planning and redevelopment in New Jersey through the Smart Growth Awards. The projects and plans represent some of the best examples of sustainable growth and redevelopment in the state.
The 2026 Smart Growth Awards honored five incredible winning projects and one individual honoree. Check out the winners and their inspiring stories to learn how utilizing smart growth principles creates better places to live, work, and play!
Being honored with New Jersey Future’s Leadership Award was deeply humbling. I believe every opportunity we’re given is a chance to help a community thrive, especially for those who are too often overlooked. New Jersey Future’s work reflects that same commitment—ensuring that every neighborhood has the potential to grow, flourish, and create pathways for all of us to succeed.
Adenah Bayoh
Adenah Bayoh & Companies
New Jersey Future’s leadership in smart, equitable redevelopment continues to shape the future of communities across our state. I’m proud to partner with them, and even more proud to have been recognized with a Smart Growth Award for our work on Clinton Lofts in Trenton. As we continue revitalizing Trenton and bringing new life to its neighborhoods, I am grateful to have New Jersey Future alongside us in this work.
Roland Pott
Pott Real Estate
What Makes A Winning Project?
Community Impact
- Positively impacts the broader community.
- Demonstrates a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Engages and involves the community throughout the planning, decision-making, and implementation processes.
- Employs historic features of the community.
Sustainability & Environment
- Protects, enhances, or connects to open space and natural features.
- Improves resilience to climate change and natural hazards.
- Utilizes green infrastructure or regenerative planning concepts.
Walkability & Transportation
- Creates or enhances transportation choices that reduce the need to drive
- Fosters walkability and activities at the street level that encourage personal interaction
Housing & Development
- Is near existing development and infrastructure
- Creates or enhances connections to existing developments or plans
- Creates or enhances a vibrant mix of uses (residential, retail, office)
- Increases the range of housing options (affordability, size, type)
