Since 2002, New Jersey Future has honored smart planning and development in New Jersey through their Smart Growth Awards. The projects and developments they feature represent some of the best examples of sustainable growth and development in the state. 2017 marked the second year Voices of Hope Productions worked with New Jersey Future on a series of (8) 2-minute Smart Growth Award videos which are screened for 500 participants of the event each year.

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expands access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuels a prosperous economy. Find out more about the Smart Growth Awards.

“Lori has an amazing ability not only capture the visual essence of a building and its surrounding neighborhood but also an unparalleled talent in synthesizing a relevant narrative through a thoughtful and diligent interview process. ”

— Nick Tsapatsaris, Guenther Mill Urban Renewal, LLC.

2017 SMART GROWTH AWARDS

The 2017 recipient of New Jersey Future's Cary Edwards Leadership Award is James W. Hughes Ph.D., outgoing dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers Universty.

A partnership between a historic church's small congregation and a group of not-for-profits creates a home for both the congregation and for families surviving domestic violence.

A complete makeover for an industrial waterfront, heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy, creates an innovative workplace community with many embedded green infrastructure features.

A planned redevelopment of an empty mill building that was once the employment center for its surrounding neighborhood will once again make it a center for the surrounding community.

A complete reimagining of an outdated public-housing project creates a new, mixed-income anchor neighborhood, ready for future growth.

New residences adjacent to Orange station bring both rentals and emerging-market homeownership opportunities to a changing city.

Plainfield's district-wide travel plan highlights places where changes can be made in order to make cycling and walking safe, not just for schoolchildren but for everyone. The plan will be a model for other districts statewide.

New housing adjacent to Metuchen station broadens choices and walkability for both longtime residents and newcomers.

2016 SMART GROWTH AWARDS

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expand access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuel a prosperous economy. Find out more about the Smart Growth Awards.

“I worked closely with Lori to develop eight videos for New Jersey Future’s prestigious Smart Growth Awards. We wanted to do something really special for our 15th anniversary awards celebration and these videos really made the event (and New Jersey Future!) shine. Lori was easy to work with — she ‘got’ what we wanted to do, worked well with all of the video subjects and pulled it all together in record time. Can’t wait to work with her again!”

— Teri Jover, Deputy Executive Director, New Jersey Future

Alfred C. Koeppe, business leader and champion for economic development in New Jersey's cities, is the recipient of the 2016 Cary Edwards Leadership Award.

Redevelopment of an iconic, landmark building into a vibrant mix of housing, educational and retail uses, connecting the university district and the downtown.

An urban farm providing affordable, locally grown food, education and employment opportunities as well as much-needed open and biodiverse landscape for area residents.

Transformation of an abandoned factory into commercial and artist space and condominiums, anchoring the Valley Arts District.

Transit-oriented development converting surface parking lots and largely vacant properties into a 24-hour hub with new residents, retail, restaurants, offices and shared parking.

Replacement of a derelict public housing complex with mixed-income, affordable family-friendly housing and a much-needed community center.

Complete reconstruction of historic but neglected downtown buildings - the last remaining highly-visible vacant buildings in the area - into emerging-market condominiums.

A large-scale, integrated design strategy to manage water, for both disaster mitigation and long-term growth, delivering multiple community co-benefits.