New Jersey’s overdependence on property taxes to pay for local services, especially schools, is perhaps the most significant factor behind the state’s sprawling growth patterns, which have hurt families, businesses, the environment, and the economy.
Environment and Agriculture
Can Property Tax Relief Help Slow Sprawl?
Monday, December 18th, 2006Voting for Parks
Friday, October 20th, 2006New Jersey voters will consider a ballot question on November 7 about additional funding for parks. Ballot question #2 asks voters whether or not to amend the state constitution to create an ongoing, stable source of funding for capital repairs, […]
Growing Smart and Water Wise
Thursday, August 31st, 2006This report highlights how development has affected water resources in the Pinelands growth areas and what can be done to minimize its future negative impacts.
Prosperity at Risk
Friday, April 21st, 2006No state has lost more jobs in the high-tech industry in the past decade than New Jersey, according to an analysis of New Jersey’s competitive position by the Brookings Institution, in partnership with New Jersey Future.
Catalysts for Urban Change
Friday, March 17th, 2006Wachovia Bank and Matrix Development Group this week celebrated the official opening of Wachovia’s regional headquarters in a new, five-story office building in the heart of downtown Trenton.
New Jersey’s Five-Year Plan
Monday, March 6th, 2006Governor Jon Corzine’s economic development team is seeking input into a five-year strategic business plan, intended to improve the state’s business climate and encourage economic growth.
Baby Boomers Turn 60
Monday, December 19th, 2005Some have predicted that aging Baby Boomers will help spell the end of sprawling development, as older Americans turn away from large-lot, McMansion-style housing and seek the housing and lifestyles available in urban and older suburban settings with their multi-family housing options, access to public transit and walkable downtowns.
Global Warming and New Jersey Development
Friday, November 18th, 2005Rising seas could not only shift today’s shoreline inland by 240 to 480 feet by the year 2100.
Open Space Ballots
Monday, October 31st, 2005State leaders can help by changing the policies that make it easier and cheaper to develop our greenfields than to rebuild our older suburbs and cities.
The Gubernatorial Race
Friday, October 21st, 2005Without new ways of managing growth and without fixing the systems that drive development, including the property tax system, New Jersey will never reach genuine prosperity.