Program
Center for Zoning Solutions
The Center for Zoning Solutions is our home for the zoning reform movement. We share research and reports, lead federal advocacy efforts, and support communities across the country to tackle barriers to smart growth and advance policies to encourage mixed-use development and diverse housing options.
The Center for Zoning Solutions Awards
Smart Growth America is proud to announce a new slate of awards through the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS) recognizing outstanding zoning practices that are helping communities deliver more housing of the right type, in the right places, at the right price.
For more than 18 years, Smart Growth America has recognized zoning excellence through the Form-Based Code Awards. Entering a new era, the 2026 CZS Awards build on that legacy while expanding recognition to communities, practitioners, advocates, and leaders advancing innovative zoning solutions.
As communities across the country face the most significant housing shortage in generations, it is more important than ever to address systemic barriers and modernize zoning to allow the kinds of homes and neighborhoods communities need.
The 2026 CZS Awards will recognize excellence across three categories:
Zoning innovation
Recognizing novel approaches to zoning that have advanced smart growth and supported increased housing development in well-connected locations. This broad category may include new ordinances, overlays, code updates, or other creative approaches that led to meaningful results.
This award is open to communities that have implemented these notable zoning changes. Practitioners may also submit an application with the support of local government partners.
Zoning advocacy
Recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership has advanced solutions to address zoning barriers.
This award is open to individuals, community-based organizations, and others who have successfully advocated for change.
Form-based codes
Recognizing exemplary form-based codes that advance the practice of form-based zoning for inclusive development, healthy and people-oriented communities, and predictable development outcomes.
This award is open to communities with a form-based code that has been implemented. Practitioners may also submit an application with the support of local government partners.
Submission instructions and entry forms will be available in June 2026
Interested in nominating a code, individual, or organization for an award? Sign up for our newsletter to receive application updates, deadlines, and other important announcements.
Questions? Contact Kathy Carter at [email protected] with the subject line: CZS Award Questions.
