Monday, May 2, 2011

Greetings from PlanSmart NJ's New Executive Director, Lucy Vandenberg, PP/AICP

I am honored to have been selected by the PlanSmart NJ Board of Directors as its new Executive Director. I am humbled to succeed Dianne Brake, who served the organization faithfully over the past 25 years. Dianne Brake is recognized around the State as a visionary leader, someone whose writings and ideas we will turn to again and again for years to come.

I look forward to taking PlanSmart NJ to the next level, working to further the principles of sound land use planning and regional cooperation through on-the-ground implementation, public policy advocacy and in-depth analysis of the complex planning challenges that confront us as a State. Through our research, technical assistance, and public policy work, we expect to provide new insights that will help inform decision-makers and improve quality of life in our communities. PlanSmart NJ has earned a reputation for its balanced approach to land use planning. It is this principle that is woven throughout PlanSmart NJ's work.

In keeping with our commitment to informed decision-making, we are pleased to announce PlanSmart NJ's upcoming June 3rd Conference, co-sponsored by NAIOP, NJBIA, and the NJ Chamber of Commerce. The topic is: Impacting Economic Expansion and Retention in New Jersey: A Land Use Perspective. It will be held at the Rutgers' Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. We invite you to register and to become an Event Sponsor today.

I encourage you to join the work of PlanSmart NJ. If you care about our State's economic future, environment, and quality of life, please consider becoming a member at www.plansmartnj.org. I welcome hearing from you at lvandenberg@plansmartnj.org or (609) 393-9434.

Very truly yours,
Lucy Vandenberg, PP/AICP
Executive Director