New Jersey Future Celebrates Signing of Urban Enterprise Zone Legislation


New Jersey Future Celebrates Signing of Urban Enterprise Zone Legislation
TRENTON, May 31, 2018 — New Jersey Future Executive Director Peter Kasabach today applauded the legislative sponsors and Governor Murphy’s signing of S846/A3549, which will reinstate the Urban Enterprise Zone program for five years in the five municipalities — Bridgeton, Camden, Newark, Plainfield and Trenton — where the designation had expired. The law also requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to study the program and report its findings to the Legislature, along with a recommendation as to whether the program should continue as it currently exists, be amended, or expire.
“The Urban Enterprise Zone program has been an important tool for cities to spur economic development and create jobs for local residents, but the program could still be stronger and offer more sustainable results,” said Kasabach. “We are encouraged by the governor and Legislature’s commitment to strengthening our cities, and we look forward to a revamped UEZ program that emphasizes accountability and links incentives to local economic development and downtown revitalization strategies more effectively.”
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Founded in 1987, New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible growth, redevelopment and infrastructure investments to foster vibrant cities and towns, protect natural lands and waterways, enhance transportation choices, provide access to safe, affordable and aging-friendly neighborhoods and fuel a strong economy. The organization does this through original research, innovative policy development, coalition-building, advocacy, and hands-on technical assistance. New Jersey Future serves as the backbone staff for the Jersey Water Works collaborative.