Grow Smart Awards Program and Scorecards
Smart Growth Scorecards
Idaho Smart Growth has developed two scorecards - one to review residential developements and one for mixed use or commercial developments - to help citizens and developers understand if a particular development project follows smart growth principles. ISG supported two projects in the Treasure Valley based on the scorecards; Water’s Edge in Kuna and Bown Crossing in Boise . We have also announced an awards program based on this approach. Please feel free to use the scorecards to score proposed projects to find out whether they align with smart growth prinicples. If you have any questions about the scorecrads or how to use them please contact the ISG office.
Smart
Growth Scorecard - Neighborhood Development (PDF)
Smart Growth
Scorecard - Commercial Development (PDF)
'Grow Smart' Awards Introduction
Idaho Smart Growth ’s statewide ‘Grow Smart’ awards program recognizes the successful use of smart 
growth principles to encourage vibrant communities through sensible growth in the following categories:
- Commercial or industrial development
- Mixed use development
- Attached residential development
-
Single family residential development
- Infill development
- Public policy and planning
- Other
Nominated projects can be planned, under construction, or completed. To be eligible, planned projects must have received at least preliminary approval from the city or county by the date the nomination is submitted. Winners are selected by the Grow Smart Awards Jury that includes a diverse group of community leaders and professionals. Jury members may not participate in discussions or voting on any project they have an interest in. Jury members are knowledgeable about design, planning, and development that reflects smart growth principles.
Nominated development projects are evaluated using smart growth principles as identified by ISG’s smart growth 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.
In addition to these categories, ISG may give an award to a particularly important example of leadership or advocacy that advances smart growth principles and a ‘Presidents Award’ to a truly distinguished effort or development project.
Idaho Smart Growth announces 2007 Grow Smart Award Winners
Idaho Smart Growth (ISG) announced the winners of its third annual ‘Grow Smart’ awards at a reception and ceremony on November 15, 2007 in Boise. The Grow Smart Awards Jury selected award winners in seven categories from among many excellent development projects and planning initiatives across the state. Nominated projects were judged on the degree to which they met or advanced smart growth criteria. In addition Bown Crossing was named the recipient of the third annual President's Award for outstanding achievement in smart growth by creating a new neighborhood center and a vital transproation link in Southeast Boise. Grow Smart Award Winners 2007
As more people call Idaho home, Idaho Smart Growth is pleased to present our 2007 Grow Smart award winners who are making sure we keep our communities vibrant and our landscapes healthy.
Bown Crossing, Presidents Award
CitySide Lofts, Attached Residential Award
Harris Ranch, Mixed Use Award
Latah Street Houses, Single Family Residential Award
Linen District, Commercial Award
City of Greenleaf Comprehensive Plan, Policy and Planning Award
Ten Mile Interchange City of Meridian, Policy and Planning Award
Blaine County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, Public Advocacy Award
Fireside Homes La Casita, Other Award
Rural Canyon County Partnership, Other Award
Special thanks to the 2007 Grow Smart Jury: Steve Benner, Rob Hopper, Dave Kangas, Julie Lynn, Susan Mason, Renee Magee, Sue Sullivan, and Barry Teppola
Idaho Smart Growth announces 2006 Grow Smart Award Winners
Idaho Smart Growth (ISG) announced the winners of its second annual ‘Grow Smart Idaho’ awards at a reception and ceremony on November 16, 2006 in Boise. The Grow Smart Awards Jury selected award winners in six categories from among many excellent development projects and planning initiatives across the state. Nominated projects were judged on the degree to which they met or advanced smart growth criteria. In addition the Banner Bank building was named the recipient of the second annual President's Award for outstanding achievement in green building by being certified as "Platinum LEED" . Grow Smart Award Winners 2006
Idaho Smart Growth announces 2005 Grow Smart Award Winners
Idaho Smart Growth (ISG) announced the winners of its first annual ‘Grow Smart Idaho’ awards at a reception and ceremony on November 10, 2005 in Boise. The Grow Smart Awards Jury selected award winners in six categories from among many excellent development projects and planning initiatives across the state. Nominated projects were judged on the degree to which they met or advanced smart growth criteria. In addition the City of Caldwell was named the first President's Award recipient for efforts to revitalize its downtown through the restoration of Indian Creek and other public investments and appropriate policy reforms. Grow Smart Award Winners 2005
Please take a look at last years application form to see what information will be needed to nominate a project: 2006 Grow Smart Award Application Form (PDF)
Coypright © 2005 Idaho Smart Growth