Gov. Phil Murphy — Courtesy: Governor’s Office
By Joshua Burd
State officials have made a long-awaited update to a planning document that’s meant to guide land use, development and environmental policy across all levels of government in New Jersey.
According to Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced the milestone on Dec. 19, the revised State Development and Redevelopment Plan centers on 10 key priorities and issues ranging from housing and infrastructure to climate change and natural resources. State agencies will now use it as a roadmap for their own planning, investment priorities and administrative rules, officials said, noting that the document will also inform the public and encourage counties and municipalities to align their land use policies with the statewide framework.
The new 157-page policy document, approved Dec. 17 by the State Planning Commission, marks the first update to the plan since 2001.
“The adoption of a new State Development and Redevelopment Plan provides New Jersey with a clear, modern blueprint that balances economic vitality with environmental stewardship,” said Murphy, whose second and final term as governor ends on Jan. 20. “With this historic step, we have set New Jersey on a path for creating healthy, resilient and affordable communities connected to jobs, recreation and high-quality transportation.”
The state Office of Planning Advocacy, which spearheaded the update, noted that the State Plan is not designed to overrule, negate or interfere with existing plans or regulations in local communities. Yet it follows more than two years of extensive outreach and coordination across all levels of government, Murphy’s team said, including the publication of a preliminary draft plan in December 2024 and a multi-month public comment period.
That gave way to what the state described as a “cross acceptance process” of comparing municipal, county and state land use plans with the State Plan to achieve maximum consistency. The result was a broad-based outline with 10 goals, with a new focus on environmental justice, aimed at augmenting the state’s ongoing initiatives to address areas including:
- Economic development
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Revitalization and re-centering
- Climate change
- Natural and water resources
- Pollution and environmental cleanup
- Historic and scenic resources
- Equity
- Comprehensive planning
“The State Redevelopment Plan lays the foundation for a more inclusive future by creating fairer, more equitable communities for generations to come,” said Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who oversees the State Planning Commission in her role as secretary of state.
Murphy’s office noted that the updated plan encourages development and redevelopment while focusing on preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources. It also builds on other comprehensive planning efforts during his two terms, including the 2018 report titled The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey, which highlighted investments in people, communities and innovation.
The new plan is especially timely, Murphy and Way said a cover letter, after the 2024 law to replace the Council on Affordable Housing and streamline the process for determining and enforcing municipalities’ obligations under the Fair Housing Act. It also supports the interagency nature of energy policy, they added, citing the administration’s push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and investment renewable energy.
“New Jersey has a long tradition of thoughtful, forward-looking planning, from safeguarding our natural landscapes and agricultural resources to expanding housing opportunities in every community,” said Tom Wright, chair of the State Planning Commission and CEO and president of the Regional Plan Association. “With the formal adoption of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, we are reaffirming that tradition and providing a clear, modern framework to guide sustainable and equitable growth. This milestone will ensure that future generations will have the tools, coordination and vision needed to support vibrant communities, strong economies and a healthy environment across our state.”
Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future, added: “The adoption of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan provides a vital roadmap for guiding growth and development that is cost-effective for taxpayers, predictable for businesses and developers, protective of our natural resources and inclusive of everyone. We are encouraged to see priorities like redevelopment, climate change adaptation, reducing reliance on driving, improving our existing infrastructure and promoting equity front and center. We’re eager to collaborate with our state partners to align policies and investments with the vision outlined in the State Plan.”
