Policy Page
Leadership lessons in a rapidly changing world
NAIOP’s premier industry event this fall was CRE.Converge 2017 in Chicago, which attracted nearly 1,500 attendees from across North America. Held Oct. 10 to 12, the conference provided valuable insights into cutting-edge trends in the commercial real estate industry and projections for the future.
A regulatory framework for our new administration
As our next governor focuses on making our state more affordable for both businesses and residents, it would make sense to ramp up efforts to cut red tape by eliminating ineffective rules and empowering qualified private-sector professionals to handle more administrative work, technical reviews and project approvals.
It’s time to push the reset button on New Jersey’s ‘municipal madness’
Our next governor and new Legislature best be laser-focused on two immediate priorities: investing and deploying critical resources into our transportation system and stimulating permanent property tax reductions through shared services and municipal consolidations.
Something to brag about: An up-close look at our port performance
As an advocate for the commercial and industrial real estate industry in New Jersey, I am impressed with the progress that has occurred over the last few years in the operation of our Port of New York and New Jersey. Serving on the Council on Port Performance has given me an opportunity to weigh in on and observe numerous programs and initiatives to improve efficiency and service reliability at the port, which benefits our transportation, distribution and logistics industry. This collaborative effort has and continues to tackle various issues related to operational efficiency, including increasing vessel size, labor shortages, shortage of chassis, operating system failures and disruptions — such as Superstorm Sandy, blizzards and construction. With a shared goal of enhanced port operations, the diverse council members deliberate, share information and advocate for reforms that have impact.
With a state government in transition, let’s build on our progress
As we prepare for the next governor and potential changes in the Legislature, it is important to recognize what New Jersey has accomplished in the last several years, continue this momentum and support these programs and initiatives. Our economy is certainly getting better, based on all the construction taking place and today’s low unemployment rate. Affordability and stagnant wages, however, remain challenges to many and are a big reason why a huge proportion of millennials are still living at home with their parents. Without immigration, our population would be dwindling.
