The SDRP is a comprehensive plan that provides a vision for the future development and redevelopment of New Jersey. It aims to equitably balance the needs of all stakeholders and municipalities, fostering growth while simultaneously prioritizing conservation and enhancing the quality of life.

By law, SDRP is to be updated every three years. The last SDRP was published in 2001, highlighting the importance of the current update and this guide.

The SDRP has 10 equal goals.

• Economic Development: Promote Economic Growth that Benefits all Residents of New Jersey
• Housing: Provide an Adequate Supply of Housing for Residents of All Ages and Incomes in Communities of Their Choosing That Meet Their Needs and Offer Ready Access to the Full Range of Supportive Goods and Services
• Infrastructure: Economic Opportunity Through Nation Leading Infrastructure
• Revitalization and Recentering: Revitalize and Recenter the State’s Underutilized Developed Areas
• Climate Change: Effectively Address the Adverse Impacts of Global Climate Change
• Natural and Water Resources: Protect, Maintain, and Restore the State’s Natural and Water Resources and Ecosystems
• Pollution and Environmental Clean-Up: Protect the Environment, Prevent and Clean Up Pollution
• Historic and Scenic Resources: Protect, Enhance, and Improve Access to Areas with Exceptional Archeological, Historic, Cultural, Scenic, Open Space, and Recreational Value
• Equity: Implement Equitable Planning Practices to Promote Thriving Communities for all New Jerseyans
• 2024 Comprehensive Planning Goal: Foster Sound and Integrated Planning and Implementation at all Levels Statewide

The SDRP provides a framework for local planning efforts by establishing statewide planning objectives and policies. Local governments are encouraged to align their master plans, climate change resiliency and economic growth initiatives with the SDRP to ensure consistency and coordination between the state and local governments.

The Cross-Acceptance process involves comparing statewide planning policies at different government levels to achieve consistency among municipal, county, regional, and State Plans. Through public meetings and surveys, the public has the opportunity to influence the SDRP and the State Plan Policy Map, ensuring that local plans and policies and public input are considered.

The public is encouraged to participate in the SDRP update process through public meetings, forums, and the submission of comments and feedback. The SPC conducts public meetings in each county to gather input from residents.

State agencies play a crucial role in implementing the SDRP by incorporating its objectives and policies into their functional plans, investment priorities, and administrative rules.

The SDRP promotes equitable development by focusing on creating opportunities for all residents, regardless of their background, and ensuring that the benefits of development, conservation, and restoration are distributed fairly across the state.