The City of Renton has won 2012 Smart Communities Awards for its city center community plan and its 20-year parks plan from Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Now in its 7th year, the program recognizes achievements by local leaders to promote “smart growth” planning and projects that contribute to our quality of life in Washington state, according to a governor’s press release.

“We need vibrant, quality communities to keep and attract people and businesses to Washington state,” Gregoire said. “I commend the work of those local governments and their partners recognized with this award. Their efforts are vital to our continued economic recovery, and help make Washington a great state in which to live and do business.”

The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards to cities will be presented June 21 at the Association of Washington Cities annual conference in Vancouver. County winners will receive awards at the Washington State Association of Counties annual meeting in Wenatchee on Nov. 14.