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.

Hard Rock CEO Allen hopes new hotel, casino will strike a different tone in Atlantic City

The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will open June 28, with a model that aims to set a new standard in Atlantic City. For one thing, the resort will have an added emphasis on entertainment, leveraging Hard Rock’s own vast network of performers to help program the venue and bolster other nongaming revenue streams such as meeting business and hotel stays. But its owners have sought to be different from past generations of New Jersey casinos in another way, focusing on community outreach that they say will continue well past the grand opening.

Supreme Court closes online sales tax loophole for retail sector, state governments

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that online retailers must collect sales tax from customers even in states where they don’t have a physical presence, effectively closing a loophole that has long been seen as a major disadvantage to brick-and-mortar retailers.

Report by business, labor groups fights back against criticism of incentives

Amid growing criticism of the state’s incentive programs, a group of prominent business and labor associations are aiming to set the record straight in Trenton.

Lizura leaving EDA next month

Tim Lizura, the Economic Development Authority’s president and chief operating officer since 2012, is stepping down from the influential state organization next month.

For apartment sector, uncertainty in Washington threatens policy priorities

Despite the benefits of last year’s federal tax reform, the apartment sector is grappling with uncertainty and unpredictability in Washington, D.C., raising questions about the future of affordable housing and other high-stakes policy issues. That was one key message from experts who gathered recently during the New Jersey Apartment Association’s annual conference and expo, which drew a registered crowd of more than 1,600 to the Atlantic City Convention Center.

EDA: Teva Pharmaceuticals weighing 345,000 sq. ft. in Parsippany

The state has approved a 10-year, $40 million tax credit package to encourage Teva Pharmaceuticals to move its U.S. headquarters from Pennsylvania to Parsippany, where it would lease more than 345,000 square feet to house more than 1,000 employees.

State OKs incentive for E-Trade expansion in Jersey City

E-Trade Financial Corp. could be in line to expand its footprint on the Jersey City waterfront, following the approval Tuesday of a 10-year, $20.1 million tax credit package by the state Economic Development Authority.

Biopharma firm moving U.S. headquarters out of New Jersey

French biopharmaceutical firm Ipsen is moving its U.S headquarters out of New Jersey and into Massachusetts, although it said it still plans to maintain a presence in the Garden State.

New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Awards

New Jersey Future recently hosted its Smart Growth Awards, honoring major redevelopments in the state and former Gov. James Florio.

Architecture firm touts flurry of new hires in New Jersey, continuing growth

A Hamilton-based design and planning firm has continued its expansion with eight new hires.