PlanSmart NJ conceived and undertook this project to develop an approach for translating “Smart Growth” policy for urban redevelopment into specific growth targets. Working with the City of Trenton, we used Trenton as a case study to assess the capacity and desire of an urban community for new development and redevelopment.

As part of our analysis, we developed several new datasets and planning tools. This work included assembling and reviewing current plans using Plan Mapping, collecting and analyzing demographic and economic data, conducting research on economic revitalization, conducting interviews and meetings with key stakeholders, developing a “Trend Shift” methodology, and using the GOZ Model to analyze different scenarios based upon various redevelopment plans.

The products of the project included a characterization report, plan mapping summary, and final report. The study process identified the city’s infrastructure capacity for growth and a range of growth targets. We conducted a charrette with state, County, local, and non-profit leaders to help to determine final growth targets for Trenton.

Urban Growth Targets Report

Completion Date: 2003