To view the 2007 annual report, click here.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Members & Friends,

From our founding in 1987 to our 20th anniversary year in 2007, New Jersey Future has been committed to the principle of balancing robust growth in our state’s economy with preservation and protection of our environment. Our work in support of the adoption and implementation of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan has long been the most visible manifestation of this commitment—but, as this report on our activities in 2007 illustrates, it is by no means the only one.

In many ways, 2007 was a transitional year for New Jersey Future. From the departure of former Executive Director George Hawkins in April to my arrival in December, the organization was ably managed by Teri Jover. Under Teri’s leadership as interim executive director, New Jersey Future extended its reach into several policy areas where the staff ’s expertise in research, analysis and advocacy was put to productive and influential use. Among them:

• Route One: New Jersey Future staff prepared and presented a comprehensive report to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development identifying obstacles to center-based growth in the Route One corridor.
  
  
• Smart Housing: New Jersey Future convened a 34-member task force to study ways in which local zoning and state regulations could encourage, rather than impede, construction of homes.
  
  
• Water Quality: Recognizing the close link between land use and water quality, New Jersey Future staff worked closely with state regulators to ensure that water quality management rules promote smart growth and redevelopment while protecting our water supply.
  
  
• Energy and Climate: New Jersey Future offered input into two important state initiatives—the Energy Master Plan and the Governor’s greenhouse gas emission-reduction goals—emphasizing the vital connection between transportation and land use.

New Jersey Future also hosted its second well-attended and enthusiastically received Redevelopment Forum, featuring panels that covered topics ranging from broad statewide policy issues to hands-on neighborhood revitalization efforts. And for the sixth year, we honored exemplary development and redevelopment projects with New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards.

New Jersey Future was able to do all this thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations and individuals who share our vision of a future shaped by smart, sustainable, environmentally sensitive development. With your continued help and encouragement, we plan to build on the successes we enjoyed in our 20th anniversary year—not just in the coming year, but for the next 20 years and beyond.


Peter Kasabach
Executive Director