Policy Page

Our updates and analysis will keep you informed of every piece of legislation and public policy issue that affects commercial real estate in New Jersey, from a zoning dispute or a proposed change to the tax code.

Top News
Got a feeling ’21 is (going to) be a good year

As we seem to be nearing the final stages of the global pandemic with more people getting vaccinated, federal stimulus monies pouring into our state and a new federal administration that is much more friendly to New Jersey, many of us are feeling that 2021 is going to be a good year.

Policy Page
Regional mindset, new recipe needed to keep our talent and project pipeline flowing

It’s high time that New Jersey’s local officials start doing things differently and placing a higher priority on talent attraction, collaborative regional (not parochial) planning and being on the same page. Economic development experts from outside the state seemed to concur at NAIOP New Jersey’s recent Annual Meeting and Commercial Real Estate Outlook.

Policy Page
Survival skills honed in 2020 lead to a better-prepared 2021

As Charlie Chaplin said in the last century, “Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.” That is, unless you don’t learn from your mistakes and continue to do things the same way. The days are numbered for any business, organization or government agency (without a rainy day fund) that doesn’t adjust, right-size their operation and get prepared for the next disruption that’s just around the corner.

Policy Page
Giving is for all of us – government, too

Never has there been a more appropriate time to be charitable and share what you have with those in need. As our businesses continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic, more and more workers will be impacted.

Policy Page
Jersey’s comeback must be sustainable, reflective of migrations and crises

In a year of headlines dominated by the pandemic, financial crisis, racial justice movement and climate change-induced natural disasters, a new report can help local, policymakers understand the challenges we must face and the emerging opportunities we cannot afford to squander.

Professional Services
McManimon Scotland adds to redevelopment law practice group

McManimon, Scotland & Baumann LLC has made an addition to its commercial real estate team, one of five new hires for the Roseland-based law firm.

Policy Page
Taking the temperature of New Jersey’s economy and commercial real estate sector

We are now more than six months into the pandemic that shut down much of New Jersey’s economy in early March. I thought it would be a good time to pause to look at where we are in terms of recovering from the staggering unemployment and economic losses caused by the health crisis. There is some surprisingly good news, but it must be taken with a strong dose of caution.

Policy Page
Workforce wellness, resiliency and ironclad industrial sector: Keys to recovery

Despite the ongoing adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts report that the macroeconomic trends are looking favorable nationally, and especially for New Jersey, but it’s going to be pretty slow going. Marked differences exist among the various sectors, not all of which have bottomed out yet.

Policy Page
Workplace absence leads to decline in office demand

Much of the workforce has been absent from offices/workplaces and transportation systems since mid-March. Has this absence “made hearts grow fonder” to return? Not entirely, according to some experts.

Policy Page
Re-entry to the new workplace in a post COVID-19 reality

With eyes on recovery, Gov. Phil Murphy has formed a “cabinet-level” advisory commission to focus on the macro issues, including resilience, infrastructure and messaging, and a Restart and Recovery Advisory Council with subcommittees to work out the details of how and when various sectors of the workforce will resume operations. Landlords and tenants will confront myriad issues as the stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and businesses reopen under a new set of protocols.