Upcoming Event

2026 Smart Growth Awards

Coming Soon!
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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 nomination period for the 2026 Smart Growth Awards has now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted. More information regarding winning projects, plans, and initiatives will be announced later this year.

 

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)

 

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