Economic Development

What 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.

Transportation is more than infrastructure—it’s a foundation for economic vitality and community well-being. In cities and towns across the globe, the quality and accessibility of transportation systems shape not only how people get from point A to point B, but also how they access opportunities for employment, education, and recreation. Strategic investments in transportation not only reduce commute times and ease congestion; they also serve as powerful engines for economic growth and community development.

On Day 1 of the New Jersey Planning and Redevelopment Conference, the keynote session “The Road Ahead: Economic, Housing, and Real Estate Trends” painted a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities shaping New Jersey’s housing future—and why the stakes are higher than ever.

As the world slowly but surely emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us are evaluating the new parameters of our state and national economies that have experienced stimulus spending, historic inflation, supply chain disruptions, and high interest rates all in quick succession.

“Nationally, Black and Hispanic people are acutely underrepresented in real estate development…Black and Hispanic real estate developers represent less than 1% of their industry across the nation, even though Blacks make up 14% and Hispanics make up 18% of the total population. New Jersey’s affordable housing development space shows similar disparities.

The Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 included additional incentives for projects destined for “smart-growth” areas. This report analyzes how effective the updated incentives have been at directing growth to those areas. December 2014.

2016 Smart Growth Awards: Alfred C. Koeppe, business leader and champion for economic development in New Jersey, is the recipient of the 2016 Cary Edwards Leadership Award.

This report and related case studies summarize the state of urban water infrastructure in New Jersey and how it affects residents and businesses. May 2014.

2013 Smart Growth Awards: Diane Sterner, the founding executive director of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the recipient of the 2013 Cary Edwards Leadership Award.

2014 Smart Growth Awards: Joe Maraziti Jr. Esq., a pioneer in the fields of redevelopment and environmental law in New Jersey, is the recipient of the 2014 Cary Edwards Leadership Award.