The State Planning Commission has adopted a new State Development and Redevelopment Plan, following a vote at its meeting on December 17. The plan is intended to guide public policy and encourage state agencies, counties, and municipalities to coordinate their land use policies in line with its objectives. It outlines ten key priorities for managing growth throughout New Jersey.
Governor Phil Murphy commented on the adoption, stating: “The adoption of a new State Development and Redevelopment Plan provides New Jersey with a clear, modern blueprint that balances economic vitality with environmental stewardship. With this historic step, we have set New Jersey on a path for creating healthy, resilient, and affordable communities connected to jobs, recreation, and high-quality transportation.”
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way emphasized the plan’s focus on equity: “The State Redevelopment Plan lays the foundation for a more inclusive future by creating fairer, more equitable communities for generations to come.” Way oversees the State Planning Commission as Secretary of State.
Development of the plan involved collaboration among various government levels. The Department of State’s Office of Planning Advocacy led an outreach process starting in 2023 to draft the preliminary version. After approval by the commission in December 2024, there was a public comment period followed by cross-acceptance—a comparison between local, county, and state land-use plans.
The updated plan highlights ten goals including environmental justice. It builds on earlier efforts such as the 2018 report “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey,” which stressed investments in people and innovation.
Tom Wright, chair of the State Planning Commission and president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association said: “New Jersey has a long tradition of thoughtful, forward-looking planning, from safeguarding our natural landscapes and agricultural resources to expanding housing opportunities in every community. With the formal adoption of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, we are reaffirming that tradition and providing a clear, modern framework to guide sustainable and equitable growth. This milestone will ensure that future generations will have the tools, coordination, and vision needed to support vibrant communities, strong economies, and a healthy environment across our State.”
Shawn M. LaTourette, Commissioner of Environmental Protection noted: “Alongside our local government partners, the Department of Environmental Protection plays a leading role in implementing the smart growth mindset of the State Plan while ensuring site-specific consistency with New Jersey’s flood safety, water quality, and land resource protection laws. The updated Plan reflects New Jersey’s longstanding commitment to improving environmental quality, public health, and safety as we promote the growth of our communities and economy.”
DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez added: “The programs and resources provided by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), particularly in the areas of affordable housing and disaster mitigation, are critical to the State’s development and redevelopment strategy. Through initiatives such as NJ Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES), Resilient Communities, and the Smart Move Program, we’re helping local governments find innovative ways to create quality housing that is safe and affordable to residents of all income levels and to build public infrastructure that is more resilient to natural disasters like flooding. We welcome a State Plan that supports DCA’s mission to help improve the quality of life for New Jersey families. We look forward to doing our part to implement the plan to the benefit of current and future generations of New Jersey residents.”
The plan can be viewed online.
