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  • A Tale of Two Upbringings and a Shared Vision For a Healthy Environment

    A Tale of Two Upbringings and a Shared Vision For a Healthy Environment

    May 21, 2025 : 0 comments

    Our formative years and lived experiences are vastly different. One of us is a first-generation immigrant, and the other is a second-generation immigrant, both of whom call this state their home. We both bring distinctly different cultural lenses and identities, yet we have shared passions and values for creating a healthy environment for everyone in NJ.

  • More Home Choices for New Jersey: How Accessory Dwelling Units Can Help Solve Our Housing Shortage

    More Home Choices for New Jersey: How Accessory Dwelling Units Can Help Solve Our Housing Shortage

    May 15, 2025 : 0 comments

    If you’ve tried finding a home in New Jersey recently, you already know: the rent is too high, buying a home feels impossible, and competition is fierce. Rentals disappear overnight and homebuyers face bidding wars that drive prices out of reach. Why is it so difficult to find an affordable place to live?

  • Stubborn Seeds and Strong Foundations: What Armenian Resilience Teaches Us About Building Forward

    Stubborn Seeds and Strong Foundations: What Armenian Resilience Teaches Us About Building Forward

    April 22, 2025 : 0 comments

    April marks Armenian History Month, a time to honor the deep roots, resilience, and culture of the Armenian people. For many of us in the diaspora, especially here in New Jersey, this month reminds us to reflect on our ancestors’ strength and survival. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our contributions to this country and recommit to building a better future — one shaped by remembrance and justice.

  • More Than Mailers: Keys to Effective Outreach and Communication for Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) in New Jersey Communities

    More Than Mailers: Keys to Effective Outreach and Communication for Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) in New Jersey Communities

    April 1, 2025 : 0 comments

    New Jersey Future’s Funding Navigator team has developed expertise in supporting water systems and municipal leaders in navigating the complexities of lead service line replacement (LSLR) funding, outreach, and communication. Meanwhile, the Jersey Water Works Lead Service Line Implementation Work Group and  Lead-Free New Jersey address the technical and logistical aspects of LSLR. Effective communication and community outreach are critical aspects of a successful LSLR program. In this blog, we’ll highlight key strategies and best practices for communication and outreach that can improve participation rates and build customer trust.

  • Breaking the Barrier to Water Infrastructure Funding

    Breaking the Barrier to Water Infrastructure Funding

    March 14, 2025 : 0 comments

    The New Jersey Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) are critical financial resources that can provide a variety of funding and financing options, including principal forgiveness and low-interest loans, to support water infrastructure improvements across the state.

  • Designing Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces to Enhance Health and Accessibility for New Jersey’s Aging Population

    Designing Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces to Enhance Health and Accessibility for New Jersey’s Aging Population

    March 13, 2025 : 0 comments

    As New Jersey’s population ages, one challenge stands out: how can we create an environment that supports the well-being of older adults, particularly in urban and suburban spaces? The built environment—our streets, sidewalks, and public areas—profoundly affects the health and independence of seniors. Yet many older residents, particularly in underserved communities, face significant barriers to mobility.

  • Debt is Not a Bad Word: Funding New Jersey’s Infrastructure through Smart Financing

    Debt is Not a Bad Word: Funding New Jersey’s Infrastructure through Smart Financing

    February 18, 2025 : 0 comments

    Municipalities face a tricky balancing act when it comes to infrastructure improvements: they need to address large, costly projects but have limited resources to fund them. Historically, issuing debt has been the primary means that municipalities are left with to finance critical improvements. However, municipal leaders are reluctant to be the ones responsible for issuing debt, while utilities and public systems are often hesitant to raise rates to cover project costs.

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