Idaho is the 4th fastest growing state in the country. According to U.S. Census data, Idahos urban areas are growing three times faster than the rest of the countrys urban areas. The Boise Metro area alone is forecasted to reach over 800,000 people by 2030. Idaho Smart Growths Grow Smart Awards celebrates the work of innovative and community-oriented builders, planners, architects, organizations, and developers. This annual awards program highlights the leading projects that keep our communities vibrant and offers the general public as well as professional peers the opportunity to celebrate and inspire one another.
Winners are selected by the Grow Smart Awards Jury that includes a diverse group of community leaders and professionals.
Nominated development projects are evaluated using smart growth principles as identified by Idaho Smart Growth’s development scorecards. Smart growth principles include:
- Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective.
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
- Provide a variety of transportation options including walking, biking, driving, and transit.
- Strengthen existing communities and direct development towards them.
- Preserve open space, parks, farmland, and environmentally critical areas.
- Create walkable, mixed use neighborhoods where daily needs are close at hand.
- Foster distinctive communities with a strong sense of place.
- Make efficient use of public investments in infrastructure, schools, and services.
- Put jobs and schools within reach of all who need them.
Over 100 builders, developers, architects, planners, elected officials, neighborhood representatives, realtors, and community members attend this annual event.
Idaho Smart Growth selects "Grow Smart" Award winners annually from nominated projects around the state. The Nomination forms are due June 30, 2008. We are asking that all submissions be made electronically this year - Download Nomination Form.