The Executive Committee meets to focus on long-term strategy planning and continuously improve our general organizational functions. As infrastructure needs of the organization arise, these needs become “projects” for the committee to address. Typical projects include website maintenance as well as development, and on-going improvement, of templates, by-laws, databases, etc.

The Annual Event Committee organizes a workshop or forum each year, the purpose of which is to examine and illustrate how to include smart growth principles in the planning and development of our existing communities, protect the environment, provide economic opportunities, and create sustainable communities. With this in mind, our events host a variety of notable speakers of academic note and practitioners with expertise in real-world application. An important part of every annual event is the presentation of Smart Growth Excellence Awards and highlighting of awarded projects.

The Membership and Communications Committee is the face of our organization. It focuses on one of our most fundamental tenets to inform and educate our members about Smart Growth Principles, our organization, and our initiatives, including the promotion of all forums.  The committee provides communications through the use of the website, e-blasts, social media, and community outreach. The committee maintains the email database of general subscribers, members, local government representatives, and other interested parties.

Specific to members, the committee sends welcome emails to new members, features, and highlights stories about members and board members via social media, and is responsible for invoicing annual dues to members. Committee Members work with other SGP Committees to determine the specific themes and venues for events. The Committee may arrange with other organizations to co-sponsor or announce events and to offer continuing education units or professional development hours to participants.

The Nominating Committee receives prospective Board Nominations from an existing Board Member. The Committee reviews and if applicable, accepts the application and interviews the potential Board Member. The Committee makes a recommendation to the Board for a vote.  If approved by the Board the Board Nomination becomes a Board Member.

The Recognition Committee was established to acknowledge, reward and promote projects that demonstrate substantial consistency with our organization’s Smart Growth Principles. Our committee recognizes communities and projects that have successfully used the principles of smart growth to preserve and enhance the regional quality of life while helping to protect public health and the environment. 

The committee has an annual nomination process that is advertised through email, press releases, social media and “word of mouth.”  After project nominations are closed, the recognition committee reviews the projects, uses a rating system approved by our Board of Directors, and selects projects for recognition. 

The awarded projects are announced at our annual event and presented at various meetings of each award recipient’s choice (typically City Commission meetings). The projects are also recognized through press releases. Examples of past projects that have been recognized include the following:

• Gran Forno Parklet

• Brickell City Centre

• Northwest Gardens Housing

• Hallandale Beach Infill Housing Project

• Dania Beach Nanofiltration Plant

• City of Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk Streetscape Enhancement

The Regulatory Reform Committee stays abreast of the changing regulatory environmental in our region and seeks opportunities to reduce regulatory obstacles to smart growth and educate lawmakers on the importance and positive impact of applying smart growth principles. Projects that the Committee has supported includes the application of form-based code in select areas of South Florida, speed reduction and quality of life improvement in pedestrian areas using parklets and planning for improvement of the walkability of the Fort Lauderdale Uptown Business district.

Cities and towns in the eastern portion of the county where redevelopment is occurring along the Florida East Coast Railway and US-1 corridor will hold the highest priority for providing presentations. 

The Complete Streets Committee advocates for and educates our communities on the concepts and benefits of implementing complete street guidelines. Complete Streets are a vital part of livable, attractive communities. Everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, race, or ethnicity, ought to have safe, comfortable, and convenient access to community destinations and public places–whether walking, driving, bicycling, or taking public transportation. A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.

The Urban Forestry Committee is dedicated to advancing sustainable urban development through the preservation, enhancement, and strategic planning of green infrastructure. Rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, equity, and smart growth, the committee works to promote the essential role of trees in improving community health, climate resilience, and overall quality of life. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the committee advocates for policies and practices that protect and expand South Florida’s urban tree canopy and aim to raise awareness about the long-term benefits of urban forestry in both underserved and rapidly developing areas. The committee supports nature-based solutions that align with sustainable land use and smart growth principles.