Government & Public Policy

From zoning disputes to the federal tax code, public policy affects the commercial real estate sector far more than you may realize. For industry leaders, government and politics demand constant attention.

On the horizon

Two key asset classes in New Jersey have become inextricably linked in the last two to three years, as local governments increasingly turn to their aging office stock to fill the state’s housing deficit. Some have done so proactively, but others are acting out of necessity as they race to comply with New Jersey’s updated affordable housing law. That’s causing some market leaders to wonder if municipalities will face “multifamily fatigue” after the latest round of mandates and the corresponding land use planning, which has played out across the state over the past 12 months.

A changing landscape: Development leaders expect office-to-residential conversions to slow, be reimagined

Some veteran real estate experts are predicting “multifamily fatigue” in the Garden State as towns deal with the latest round of state-mandated affordable housing obligations, potentially reshaping the state’s development scene and the pipeline of residential projects.

EDA board approves Weiss, former Newark Alliance leader, as its new CEO

Evan Weiss is set to officially take the helm of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, following a board vote Wednesday to approve him as its next chief executive.

ULI’s acclaimed UrbanPlan program comes to Morris County in new, condensed format to reach more students

Students at Morris County School of Technology in Denville received a crash course in urban planning, courtesy of the Urban Land Institute Northern New Jersey, as the organization debuted a shorter version of its nationwide UrbanPlan program over two days in December.

MSW’s Garlick named partner, vice chair of land use, zoning and redevelopment practice

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP has announced a new partner, elevating Thomas S. Garlick while naming him to leadership roles with two key practice areas.

Sherrill taps Weiss to lead EDA, Potosnak as DEP commissioner

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill has filled two key posts impacting commercial real estate, naming Evan Weiss as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority while nominating Ed Potosnak as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.

EDA approves $400 million Aspire tax credit for new RWJBarnabas hospital at Fort Monmouth

Plans to build a new $1.5 billion hospital at the historic Fort Monmouth property are moving ahead with the help of a $400 million tax credit award under the state’s Aspire program.

Real Estate NJ’s 2026 Market Forecast

Even with stretches of volatility in 2025, it was clear to many of our industry experts that capital and confidence had returned to the market in a way not seen in several years. That sets the stage for what could be a stronger and perhaps smoother 2026, one marked by conviction in fundamentals rather than cautious optimism. You can read all about it in our 2026 Market Forecast, which features a distinguished list of commercial real estate experts and predictions on everything from leasing and lending to affordable housing, energy and capital markets.
You can read all about it in our 2025 Market Forecast, which features predictions and insights from some of the state’s leading voices in commercial real estate.

Kushner project poised to revive Perth Amboy waterfront secures planning board approval

A proposal to bring more than 600 new apartments, public space and other uses to the Perth Amboy waterfront has taken another key step forward after a vote by the city’s planning board.

Santola, longtime Woodmont executive, serving on Sherrill transition team

A third consecutive governor in New Jersey is set to take office with the help of Stephen Santola, the veteran and highly respected development executive, as a member of its transition team.