New Jersey Future Welcomes Release of Preliminary State Plan
TRENTON, NJ—On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy and the State Planning Commission unveiled the long-anticipated preliminary update to the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (State Plan). New Jersey Future applauds this important step toward creating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for the state.
The updated State Plan addresses critical challenges, including climate change, housing affordability, infrastructure modernization, and economic development. Developed with input from many stakeholders, it provides a roadmap for smarter growth and revitalized communities.
“This plan is a blueprint for a fairer New Jersey where people can thrive while protecting our natural resources and supporting economic growth,” said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future. “We’re proud to support its vision and will continue working with leaders and communities to bring it to life.”
In 1986, recognizing the critical role the state must play in directing future growth and aligning resources accordingly, New Jersey adopted the State Planning Act — a groundbreaking effort to coordinate land-use planning among state agencies and different levels of government. The act mandated the creation of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan (the “State Plan”), as well as the formation of the State Planning Commission and its staff, now housed at the Office of Planning Advocacy in the Department of State.
New Jersey Future has been a key advocate for the State Plan since its founding in 1987, championing smart growth policies to improve communities and safeguard natural resources.
Chris Sturm, the organization’s director of land use policy, highlighted the plan’s importance: “An updated plan is a critical tool to help state agencies and local governments tackle challenging land use issues like responsibly siting warehouses, protecting public health in overburdened areas, and building affordable homes while keeping development out of flood-prone zones. We look forward to supporting the State Planning Commission in finalizing the plan in 2025.”
New Jersey Future remains committed to helping advance the State Plan and ensuring its success across the Garden State.
