As local planners and policymakers begin to implement the ambitious Sustainable Thurston plan, folks from beyond the region are taking notice.

On March 17, Futurewise — formerly 1000 Friends of Washington — will honor Sustainable Thurston, TRPC and its partners with the 2015 Local Government Excellence award. The Seattle-based nonprofit’s award recognizes policy or planning initiatives and programs that support the principles of smart growth.

The Sustainable Thurston project and its flagship plan, Creating Places—Preserving Spaces: A Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region, has garnered recognition from several other organizations, including the: Planning Association of Washington/American Planning Association—Washington Chapter (2014 Planning Award, Sustainability Category; State of Washington (2014 Governor’s Smart Vision Award); Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (2013 Honorable Mention, Outstanding Achievement).

Here’s another hearty thanks to the thousands public- and private-sector people who put their time into this project.