The New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA New Jersey) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Planning Excellence Awards, and two Bloustein School alumni are recipients. Courtenay Mercer AICP, PP (BA ’01, MCRP ‘ 02) was selected as the Budd Chavooshian Award for Outstanding Professional Planner and Alexander Dougherty, AICP, PP (MCRP ’19) as the Distinguished Emerging Planner.
The annual awards program recognizes the people, plans, projects, and places that embody the power of great planning to create vibrant, healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities across New Jersey. The awardees are recognized at a celebratory reception. This year’s reception will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Full release with all awardees and ticket purchases.
Courtenay D. Mercer, AICP, PP
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.
Alexander Dougherty, AICP, PP
2024 Distinguished Emerging Planner Award
Alex Dougherty is a rising leader in planning and development, significantly impacting New Jersey, especially in the Town of Dover. As a dedicated city planner, Alex has been instrumental in shaping Dover’s progress over the past three years. His visionary work secured the Centers of Designation Endorsement from the Office of Planning Advocacy, which led to the creation of a formal planning department that advanced redevelopment projects focused on community input and sustainable urban revitalization.
In 2023, Alex was promoted to Planning Supervisor, where his leadership has been pivotal in revitalizing Dover’s urban landscape. His efforts include overseeing Morris County’s first and largest asphalt mural, which enhanced the town’s aesthetic and improved traffic safety. His dedication to this project earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Anthony Bucco.
Beyond Dover, Alex operates Dougherty Planning and Development LLC, offering professional planning services across New Jersey. His expertise and passion for community development led to successfully securing a $50,000 T-Mobile grant for the Rockaway River Trail Project, demonstrating his ability to align resources for impactful results.
Alex’s commitment to the planning profession extends to mentoring colleagues, guiding interns, and serving as the Professional Development Officer for APA New Jersey, where he identifies opportunities for planners to advance their knowledge and obtain their continuing education requirements. At just 35, Alex has left a profound mark on several communities and individuals pursuing a career in city planning.
His vision, passion, and leadership are commended and recognized by receiving the 2024 Distinguished Emerging Planner Award.