Formerly the Office of Hispanic Affairs, the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD) was created in 1975 during the Bryne administration to address the needs of the Hispanic population, as a nascent, but growing demographic in New Jersey.

During its earliest years, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was primarily charged with providing funding, through annual legislative appropriations, and technical assistance to community-based organizations. Additionally, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was responsible for keeping the Legislature informed of legislative initiatives with potential impacts on the Hispanic community. Incorporating youth development and training, the Office of Hispanic Affairs launched the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program, known today as the Governors Hispanic Fellows Program, as a pilot program in 1988.

Through persistent advocacy by Director Maria Vizcarrondo, the Office of Hispanic Affairs was formally renamed to the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development in August 1991. Under the new name, the role of Center expanded its responsibilities to include research and development activities. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Center, a retrospective study was commissioned and published to document its long history and provide recommendations to further its mission. In 2025, the CHPRD celebrated its 50th anniversary.