“The last year has presented unexpected challenges and highlighted long standing systemic issues such as social and racial inequity, but we are optimistic that the policies highlighted in Governor Murphy’s State of the State Address today will indeed allow us to recover stronger. Place-based economic development initiatives such as those included in the Economic Recovery Act will help jump start our economy, including our downtown main streets so severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and promote smart growth policies proven to strengthen communities. Infrastructure investments, including the portal bridge project, are critical both for stimulating local economies and, when it comes to transit, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. These priorities, coupled with an emphasis on equity, indicate that the state is moving in the right direction to achieve a stronger and fairer New Jersey for everyone.”

Founded in 1987, New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible growth, redevelopment and infrastructure investments to foster vibrant cities and towns, protect natural lands and waterways, enhance transportation choices, provide access to safe, affordable and aging-friendly neighborhoods and fuel a strong economy. The organization does this through original research, innovative policy development, coalition-building, advocacy, and hands-on strategic assistance.

Embracing differences and advancing fairness is central to New Jersey Future’s mission and operations. To effectively advance its mission, New Jersey Future is firmly committed to pursue greater justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through its programs, internal operations and external communications.