The Northwest Gardens project is the recipient of the 2012 Smart Growth Excellence Award. Northwest Gardens is a community within Fort Lauderdale that for many decades had been plagued by high crime, unemployment, poverty and a lack of adequate infrastructure. Through a joint project undertaken by the Carlisle Development Group and the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale the area was revitalized through the adoption of Smart Growth Principles that resulted in economic, social and community improvements.

Northwest Gardens is now one of South Florida's most outstanding models of sustainable neighborhood development. The project reflects the key principles of Smart Growth which encourages compact development in existing urbanized areas, promotes services and proximity close to residential areas, provides alternative transportation options and ensures access to recreation areas and community resources.

The Smart Growth Excellence Award was presented to Executive Director and CEO, Tam English, and Director of Development & Facilities, Scott Strawbridge, of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale during the Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors® and Smart Growth Partnership South Florida 20/20 event held on September 21, 2012 at Nova Southeastern University.