Upcoming Event

2026 Smart Growth Awards

Coming Soon!
Event Image
Overview Dropdown

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.

 

Nominate a Project for the 2026 Smart Growth Awards

The nomination period is now open for the 2026 Smart Growth Awards! If you know of an innovative project, plan, or initiative that exemplifies smart growth principles, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

 

Award Categories:

  • 2026 Smart Growth Award Projects and Plans.

How to Nominate:

Step 1: Review the Nomination Guidelines

Review the nomination guidelines before submitting. You can download the PDF below.

 

Step 2: Check the Deadline

Please ensure your submission is made within the deadline. Nominations are accepted only during the call for nominations period.

 

Step 3: Submit Your Nomination

Submit your nomination and supporting documents online through the submission portal.

 

Ready to nominate?

Click the button below to submit your project through the portal.

 

icon
Submission Deadline
March 31, 2026
Submit Your Nomination

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)

 

Susan O’Connor

Susan O’Connor

Director of Development and Outreach

Need Help with Your Nomination?

For nomination form questions, contact us to check your eligibility.

 

Browse Past Events

Power Our Progress

Your generous support is essential to our mission. It fuels the research, advocacy, and on-the-ground assistance we provide to communities, helping to create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous New Jersey for all.

 

 

Donate Today
Power Our Progress