2024 Budd Chavooshian Award for Outstanding Professional Planner
Courtenay D. Mercer embodies the ideals of effective and equitable planning, with extensive experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her career, she has successfully translated complex planning concepts into actionable strategies, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Courtenay’s work has had a lasting impact on statewide and regional land use policy in New Jersey, from her leadership at the NJ Office of Smart Growth and the Regional Plan Association to her current role as Founding Principal + CEO of Mercer Planning Associates.
Her contributions include key roles in the Highlands Task Force and the implementation of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) legislation. She also led the first Highlands Master Plan Monitoring Program and Fiscal Analysis and has been instrumental in advancing Together North Jersey (TNJ) planning efforts, where she chaired task forces focused on regional competitiveness and efficiency.
A champion of equitable community engagement, Courtenay adopts innovative techniques to involve traditionally underrepresented groups in planning processes, ensuring their voices are heard.
Her leadership extends to the American Planning Association, where she has served in multiple capacities, including as NJ Chapter President and on the national APA Board of Trustees, advancing the mission of professional development, collaboration within the planning community, and broadening the pipeline of new planners to be more diverse and representative of the communities they serve.
Courtenay’s contributions to downtown revitalization, equitable development, and historic preservation have made her a thought leader in the field, and she continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of planners.