2024 municipal population estimates indicate a return to population growth in urban centers – and in the rest of the state. Late in the decade of the 2000s, around the time of the Great Recession, New Jersey’s population growth pattern underwent a major shift.
Posts Tagged ‘Smart Growth’
Urban Centers Are Back! In Fact, So Is the Whole State of New Jersey
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025Farewell Spotlight: Chris Sturm Retires After 23 Years of Championing a Better New Jersey
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025As we bid a fond farewell to Chris Sturm, policy director and longtime advocate at New Jersey Future, we celebrate a legacy of leadership rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose. Chris has been a driving force behind some of New Jersey Future’s most successful initiatives—from promoting equitable water infrastructure to championing great places to live. On her final day, Chris sat down with me to reflect on what she’s most proud of, what she’s learned, and what she hopes for the future.
Putting the “ART” in SmART Growth
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025What does art have to do with economic development? “Every single thing,” Tai Cooper reminds us, opening up the session, “Putting the ‘ART’ in SmART Growth: Strategies for Arts and Creative Placemaking.” When we’re looking at smart growth pillars, it’s not easily apparent how art can be connected, but it’s vital for creating vibrant communities and, in turn, economic prosperity. From theater to art mixers to murals, we benefit from art programs all the time. Bringing us closer to our community, livening up neighborhoods, and promoting economic development in the cities that we work and play in.
Planning with Purpose: Beth Osborne Calls for Local Leadership and Smart Coalitions
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025At the 2025 New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference, hosted in partnership by New Jersey Future and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association, Beth Osborne—Interim President and CEO of Smart Growth America—delivered a keynote that challenged and inspired. In front of a packed audience of planners, community advocates, and developers, Osborne made one thing clear: transformative change starts locally.
Next Stop: Transit Friendly Communities and TOD Opportunities
Thursday, July 20th, 2023Transit-friendly planning is a proactive, transit-focused approach developed by NJ Transit that is applicable to any community. Transit-friendly planning and transit-oriented development (TOD) are important components of smart growth because they allow people to live, work and play without having to rely on a car.
New Report Highlights Link Between Local Zoning and Housing Affordability
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023New Jersey is experiencing a housing affordability crisis, one that hits lower-income households particularly hard. But New Jersey has a unique set of laws requiring local governments to zone for affordable housing, and a new report demonstrates that these laws work when enforced.
Metuchen’s Downtown Revitalization: An Award-Winning Catalyst for Smart Growth
Thursday, March 16th, 2023“The Woodmont Metro at Metuchen Station was a catalyst for further redevelopment in downtown Metuchen… Having residents living downtown has resulted in a remarkable growth of restaurants, making downtown Metuchen a highly popular regional dining destination. New retail and service businesses have also opened creating a vibrant, active downtown,” explains Jay Muldoon, Director of Special Projects with the Borough of Metuchen.
Transit-Oriented Development is Pedestrian-Oriented Development
Monday, January 30th, 2023Despite being the most densely populated state in the country with over 150 train station towns, New Jersey is not a safe place for pedestrians of any age. In our effort to reduce car dependency, increase pedestrian safety, and encourage placemaking that serves the public, NJ ended 2022 with several announcements designating funds for advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety and transit-oriented development (TOD), indicating that the administration recognizes the importance of creating and fostering transportation options besides driving.
New Jersey Future Seeks Nominations for 2012 Smart Growth Awards
Friday, December 9th, 2011Do you know of an innovative project, plan or initiative that deserves to be honored for bringing smart growth ideals to light? Consider nominating it for a 2012 Smart Growth Award.
Many Roads in New Jersey are “Dangerous by Design” for Pedestrians
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011There have been 1,514 pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey between 2000 and 2009. The majority of these deaths occurred on suburban arterial roads where wide lanes and high speeds, along with little or no provision for pedestrians and bikers, create an inherent danger for anyone looking to get around without a car.