Origin
New Jersey Future was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens and organizations interested in ensuring that the state would implement and enforce the newly passed State Planning Act.
Mission
New Jersey Future is a 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 strategic assistance.
Goals
More extensive involvement with the gubernatorial administration on issues key to New Jersey’s economic competitiveness: investing wisely in infrastructure; fostering downtown revitalization; increasing New Jersey’s preparedness for climate change; and better state-level leadership, planning and coordination of investments in these efforts. Also, greater focus on local-level strategic assistance to implement these policies.
Programs
New Jersey Future works on several fronts: consultation with legislators, state agency executives and the executive branch on policies that will promote sensible growth and economic vibrancy; programs that help implement these policies; and local planning assistance. Current initiatives include a comprehensive platform for the incoming administration with recommendations for smart-growth policy priorities and a program to help move green stormwater infrastructure into the mainstream in both the public and private sectors.
Achievements
- Testimony and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure, convened as a result of lead having been found in school drinking water across the state, a topic on which we issued a survey report;
- Conference focused on the future of the Jersey Shore, attended by more than 200 people;
- A report on options to make the Jersey Shore more resilient to severe weather and sea-level rise, which was featured by a United Nations committee on disaster risk reduction;
- Census analysis report detailing the loss of millennials in New Jersey, which was picked up by national media outlets;
- Analysis of New Jersey’s allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, showing how a change in criteria made a significant difference in where these credits were allocated;
- Green infrastructure pilot projects in three New Jersey towns;
- Publication of a green infrastructure implementation guide for developers;
- Significant participation on Gov. Phil Murphy’s transition advisory committees.
Fundraising
Four main sources: sponsorships and tickets to our two major events, the Redevelopment Forum and our Smart Growth Awards celebration; foundation funding for specific programs such as Jersey Water Works, Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure and Places to Age; individual and corporate donations; and fees for service, primarily at the local level.
Benefactors
Three former governors serve as honorary board chairs, and the board comprises senior leaders from a variety of sectors. We are supported by organizations and individuals from across the spectrum of development, planning, land preservation, public service and academia.
Finally
We welcome anyone who cares about the future of New Jersey and is willing to listen to diverse perspectives. Join us at any of our events, or become a member and receive a daily digest of what we are reading both locally and nationally about topics relevant to our state.
Conversation Starter
For more information about New Jersey Future, go to its website at: njfuture.org.
In Brief
Where: 16 W. Lafayette St., Trenton
Serving: Statewide land-use policy organization
Key members: Peter Kasabach, executive director; Peter Reinhart, chairman of the board of trustees; Ingrid Reed and David Moore were among the founders of the organization.
