Gov. Sherrill launches permitting dashboard pilot, selects 10 housing, energy and commercial projects

TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the launch of New Jersey’s Permitting Dashboard Pilot and unveiled the first 10 projects selected to participate in an initiative aimed at improving transparency, accountability and coordination in the state’s permitting process.

State officials said the pilot will test new tools designed to help applicants and government agencies track permitting timelines and project reviews in real time. The selected projects include housing, energy and commercial developments across New Jersey.

“New Jerseyans deserve a state government that is transparent, accountable, and efficient,” said Governor Sherrill. “For too long, residents, businesses, developers, and local governments have been stuck in a permitting process that’s slow, confusing, and difficult to navigate. The Permitting Dashboard Pilot is a big step in changing that. The pilot projects will have a clear, real-time view of how they move through the permitting process and this will help us identify opportunities to reduce delays, improve coordination across agencies, and better support the projects our state needs. By making the permitting process more predictable, we can build the foundation for lower project costs, stronger investment, and a more affordable New Jersey.”

The dashboard allows businesses and developers to monitor permits across multiple state agencies in a single location. Officials said the pilot is intended to provide insight into where delays occur and identify opportunities for future reforms.

“The Permitting Dashboard Pilot is about changing how government works,” said Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette. “By creating a shared view of project status and permitting timelines, the dashboard will help pilot participants better understand where their projects stand while providing state agencies with new tools to monitor performance and improve coordination. The information and insights we gain through this pilot will help shape the development of a full statewide dashboard over time and inform future improvements to the permitting process.”

New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole said the initiative supports economic development and infrastructure growth.

“New Jersey’s innovation economy depends on our ability to move great ideas into the real world,” said Cole. “From housing and energy infrastructure to cutting-edge technologies, projects need a permitting process that is modern, predictable, and responsive. The Permitting Dashboard Pilot is an example of how we can use technology to improve government services, support investment, and reinforce New Jersey’s position as a leader in innovation.”

The 10 projects were randomly selected from a pool of 31 applicants that met economic impact and permitting complexity requirements.

Among the housing projects selected are the McDowell Sand Mine Redevelopment in Wall Township, a proposed 856-unit development with 172 affordable units; Heritage Minerals in Manchester Township, a 2,450-unit residential development with 368 affordable units; Liberty Village in Flemington, a 123-unit redevelopment project that includes affordable housing, retail renovations and flood mitigation improvements; and White Rock at Jacksonville in Lincoln Park, a 104-unit multifamily development with 21 affordable units.

The pilot also includes energy projects such as the 200-megawatt Woods Landing Energy Storage facility in Sayreville, a landfill redevelopment project in Egg Harbor City that would host two community solar facilities, and a 5-megawatt community solar project in Woolwich Township.

The lone commercial project selected is a telecommunications infrastructure project in Hoboken designed to support regional network capacity and reliability.

Business groups praised the initiative.

“For years, the business community has called for a permitting process that is more transparent, predictable, and efficient,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “The Permitting Dashboard Pilot is an important step toward reducing uncertainty, improving accountability, and helping projects move from concept to completion more efficiently. A more competitive business climate depends on smart regulatory reform, and this initiative represents a meaningful step in that direction.”

Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, said improved transparency could help attract investment and create jobs.

“From manufacturers and commercial developers to energy providers and small businesses, employers across New Jersey need a permitting process that works efficiently and predictably,” said Siekerka. “Greater transparency and accountability will help reduce uncertainty, support investment decisions, and make it easier to grow and create jobs in New Jersey. We applaud Governor Sherrill’s efforts to modernize this process and strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness.”

The dashboard is available through the state’s permitting portal at Permits.NJ.gov and will provide participating projects with real-time updates on review timelines and permitting progress.