Overview: The Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance (DVSGA) is a collaborative initiative of various government, private sector, and non-profit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia tri-state region encompassing Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Initially spearheaded by the Philadelphia District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI Philadelphia) and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, more than 100 diverse organizations representing all aspects of land use policy and practice — including the Center for Sustainable Communities — were invited to participate in the initial planning efforts.

The Center has taken a leadership role in the new Alliance and Dr. Jeffrey Featherstone, Director of the Center, is the organization's secretary treasurer.

During a day-long program, the group explored current growth and land use trends in the tri-state region as well as the barriers to smart growth projects that are of particular concern. The group also examined models for regional collaboration to promote smart growth from around the country — in particular, the Greater Washington Smart Growth Alliance and its Smart Growth Project Recognition Program. The group formed a similar Alliance and a Criteria Development Committee, designated to review the Washington recognition program and to adapt its project criteria to fit the legal framework, market conditions, and political environment in the Delaware Valley region.

The goal of the project recognition program is to promote construction of good smart growth projects. The program will only consider project proposals — it is not an awards program for already constructed projects. An independent, regionally diverse jury has been designated with jurors representing a broad range of backgrounds and skills. Projects that receive DVSGA recognition are those that will help the region to accommodate growth and redevelopment in a manner that achieves important economic, environmental, and quality of life objectives.