About the Smart Growth Recognition Program Developers in the region recognize that there is a major challenge in gaining the necessary approvals for projects that are consistent with smart growth principles. The purpose of the SGA's Smart Growth Recognition Program is to help those projects get approved by informing regulators, public officials, citizen groups, developers, and others of the merits these projects would bring to a community and the region.

The Recognition Program is NOT an award. It is a mechanism designed to help developers get approval for smart growth project proposals. Proposals will NOT be accepted that are finished, have broken ground, or have completed the entitlement process.

What SGA Recognition Means For those project proposals that meet the SGA's demanding smart growth criteria, a letter of recognition will be prepared and mailed to the applicant. Recognition by the SGA indicates that the project proposal, as submitted to the jury, achieves smart growth objectives.

Recognition program jurors are representatives of the six organizations that make up the Smart Growth Alliance in addition to other at-large juror who are brought in for their expertise. Appointed by the SGA, the jurors were selected based on their professional expertise and experience throughout the region. These individuals, from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, are dedicated to the goals and mission of the SGA as well as to smart growth throughout the region.