In a climate where open space funding is scarce and the future of New Jersey's Green Acres funds beyond the next two years is uncertain, mayors, planning board members, planners, environmental commission members, land preservationists and interested citizens like you need a full tool box to protect New Jersey's precious open spaces.

The centerpiece of the conference will be a roll-out of the results of PlanSmart NJ’s new focus group research that queries business leaders throughout the state on what is driving their expansion and relocation decisions and how land use can play a key role in reinvigorating New Jersey’s economy.

This meeting is part of a series of listening sessions held around the region. The goal of the meeting is to reach residents, businesses, municipalities, organizations, and other stakeholders in the region to inform them about DVRPC and public participation opportunities.

Please join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as we honor seven innovative smart-growth development plans and projects and one visionary New Jersey leader. You'll also have the opportunity to bid for such goodies as a magnum of wine or four tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art including dinner in the Trustees' Dining room at our silent auction.

Where people live, learn, work, and play has a tremendous impact on their health. Planners are a key ingredient in creating a healthy community.

Visit: http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/ew0326ha.html#workshops

Using Morristown’s heralded Epstein’s Redevelopment project as a back drop, this informative and interactive session will review important elements that lead to a successful downtown redevelopment project. Discussions will include planning, approvals and construction, so no matter what stage of the process your community finds itself in - this program will assist you in crossing the finish line.

The Green Building Workshop is the next logic step in the NJRA RTI course offerings. Participants will gain a more in-depth knowledge the commonly used terms “sustainable development” and “green building”.

Please join the New Jersey Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services in celebrating the achievements of four honorees who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Garden State’s built environment and community.

Buyers of deed restricted affordable housing units in New Jersey are having difficulty finding mortgages since FHA will not lend given some of the restrictions. This panel will discuss the current state of the mortgage market for affordable units, talk about how banks are making these loans, and introduce other ways that buyers are obtaining martgages and how municipalities can help.