New Jersey Future Blog
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March 13, 2025 : 0 comments
As New Jersey’s population ages, one challenge stands out: how can we create an environment that supports the well-being of older adults, particularly in urban and suburban spaces? The built environment—our streets, sidewalks, and public areas—profoundly affects the health and independence of seniors. Yet many older residents, particularly in underserved communities, face significant barriers to mobility.
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Debt is Not a Bad Word: Funding New Jersey’s Infrastructure through Smart Financing
February 18, 2025 : 0 comments
Municipalities face a tricky balancing act when it comes to infrastructure improvements: they need to address large, costly projects but have limited resources to fund them. Historically, issuing debt has been the primary means that municipalities are left with to finance critical improvements. However, municipal leaders are reluctant to be the ones responsible for issuing debt, while utilities and public systems are often hesitant to raise rates to cover project costs.
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Exciting Updates to NJ’s State Plan—Don’t Miss Your Chance to Speak Up!
February 18, 2025 : 0 comments
New Jersey Future (NJF) has been a key advocate for the State Plan since our founding in 1987, championing smart growth policies to improve communities and safeguard natural resources. NJF was a member of the consultant team that assisted the Office of Planning Advocacy with the update to the State Plan. I contributed analysis on multiple subject matter areas addressed in the Plan, including parts of the Research Briefs section, Population and Employment Projections section, and the Lasting changes in the post-COVID world section.
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Breaking Down the State Revolving Fund – Recommendations and Changes
December 2, 2024 : 0 comments
Over the next 20 years, the United States must spend $625 billion to fix, maintain, and improve water infrastructure. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, New Jersey alone will need to spend at least $12,252,800,000 on drinking water infrastructure and $19,352,000,000 on clean water infrastructure over the next 20 years to make all necessary improvements and repairs.
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Logging On: Examining the Influence of NUMTOTs on Urbanism Discourse
September 19, 2024 : 0 comments
“Whatever your niche interests are, there’s already a conversation happening online about it,” Michael Atkins, Communications Director at New Jersey Future, opened astutely when moderating the session “Logging On: Examining the Influence of NUMTOTs on Urbanism Discourse” at the 2024 New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference hosted by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association and New Jersey Future.
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Sustainable and Cost-Efficient: Implementing a Dig-Once Policy in Trenton
August 30, 2024 : 0 comments
Funding, funding, funding–the chorus frequently heard at the inception of almost every community improvement project. Financing remains one of the largest obstacles to infrastructure improvements.
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Harmful Algal Blooms impacting recreation season for NJ Lakes
July 30, 2024 : 0 comments
Budd Lake, New Jersey’s largest natural freshwater body, was once an attractive vacation spot in North Jersey during the latter half of the 19th century for sunbathing, swimming, boating, and nearby attractions that have continued to today. Now, Budd Lake faces water quality impairments that threaten the recreation season and associated economic activities.
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