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Department of State

Office of Planning Advocacy

The Hon. Tahesha Way, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State

Economic Development

Overview

  • Promote Inclusive Economic Development: Support policies that benefit our residents equitably, especially historically under-represented groups, while fostering sustainable growth.
  • Leverage State Strengths: Market New Jersey's skilled labor, cultural diversity, education, strategic location, and diverse industries to attract businesses.
  • Foster a Sustainable Economy: Prioritize efficient corporate practices, and support renewable industries and green technologies to ensure long-term economic stability. Guide existing businesses while attracting new ones to become a modernized economic base that integrates cutting-edge technology and environmentally responsible practices.
  • Align Workforce Development with Industry Needs: Offer educational opportunities including job training, apprenticeships, and skill development to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that support diverse populations, including women and minority groups.
  • Invest in regional planning: Focus investments in transportation and infrastructure that promote connectivity, balanced growth, and urban redevelopment.

Priorities

What does the State Plan do?

  • Improves coordination efforts across state, county, and municipal governments to streamline economic development efforts.
  • Advocates for the simplification of regulatory processes to reduce delays and costs to support businesses and urban revitalization.
  • Fosters interstate cooperation to engage in much-needed infrastructure and regional economic growth, while preventing bidding wars.

Why it matters:

  • Efficient government processes facilitate economic development and urban revitalization.
  • Coordination increases the effectiveness of public resources and services.
  • Streamlined regulations help lower costs for businesses and promote further investments into our communities.
  • Strong partnerships support sustainable growth, while maintaining healthy regional competitiveness.

What does the State Plan do?

  • Promotes the retention and expansion of existing businesses while attracting new businesses by proposing financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and technical assistance in downtown areas.
  • Focuses on expanding high-growth sectors, such as technology and clean energy, that align with New Jersey’s strengths and keeps New Jersey economically competitive.
  • Promotes the modernization of industries through technological advancements and worker retraining programs.
  • Promotes support to small businesses and mixed-use business districts located in New Jersey’s cities, towns, and downtown areas.
  • Promotes the development of trade policies and programs that encourage the use of goods and services produced within New Jersey.

Why it matters:

  • Retaining and expanding businesses helps to strengthen the local economy and creates job opportunities.
  • Modernizing businesses keeps them competitive and prepared for future challenges, while attracting out of state companies and employers.
  • Supporting small businesses fosters innovation and a sense of community.

What does the State Plan do?

  • Calls for alignment of educational programs with industry needs to help develop a skilled workforce to meet future labor demands.
  • Promotes targeted training, apprenticeships, and job placement services to equip workers with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce.
  • Calls for coordination of public and private sector development with secondary schools and higher education programs to best meet labor market demands.
  • Promotes support to small businesses and mixed-use business districts located in New Jersey’s cities, towns, and downtown areas.
  • Promotes the development of trade policies and programs that encourage the use of goods and services produced within New Jersey.

Why it matters:

  • A skilled workforce drives economic competitiveness and innovation.
  • Training and job placement programs provide individuals with necessary tools for success.
  • Inclusive workforce development helps ensure equitable opportunities for all residents.
  • Collaboration between economic sectors helps address and improve labor market efficiency.

What does the State Plan do?

  • Promotes regional planning that balances housing, employment, and transportation to create vibrant and sustainable communities.
  • Outlines infrastructure investments that would support efficient movement of goods through New Jersey’s ports, airports, and road/rail systems.
  • Encourages the redevelopment of underutilized urban areas to create vibrant downtown areas.
  • Calls for housing, commerce, and employment opportunities to be well-connected to reduce travel times and improve living standards.

Why it matters:

  • Effective regional planning creates well-connected and sustainable communities.
  • Investment in infrastructure boosts economic activity and enhances logistical efficiency.
  • Revitalization of urban areas leads to increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life.
  • Balancing the location of housing and job centers makes communities better connected and reduces congestion.

What does the State Plan do?

  • Promotes sustainable economic practices by encouraging businesses to utilize safe, healthy, and resource-efficient operations.
  • Recognizes the agricultural sector and urban farming as essential contributors to New Jersey’s economy.
  • Recommends implementation of policies that reflect true social, economic, and environmental costs to ensure sustainable growth.
  • Incentivizes industries that focus on renewable resources, reducing emissions, and minimizing waste.

Why it matters:

  • Sustainable development practices are beneficial to the economy and the environment.
  • Supporting green industries leads to a cleaner economy and further job creation in emerging sectors.
  • Integrating sustainability into business models reduces environmental impacts and improves the efficient use of resources.
  • Sustainable growth helps protect New Jersey’s natural resources and provides sufficient public infrastructure for future generations.

 

Page Last Updated: 02/18/25

 

 


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