Governor-elect Sherrill launches first phase of transition with expert-led Action Teams
TRENTON, N.J. — Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill on Friday announced the first phase of her administration’s transition effort, unveiling 10 expert-led Action Teams tasked with developing policy recommendations focused on lowering costs, improving state services and addressing critical statewide challenges.
The initiative brings together subject-matter experts, community leaders and residents to help the incoming administration “hit the ground running” when Sherrill takes office in January.
“We’re bringing together experts and everyday New Jerseyans alike on a mission to deliver — by driving down costs starting with electric bills, improving state services and accountability, and protecting our kids. These teams will embody the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and action that New Jerseyans expect from their next governor,” Sherrill said. “I want to thank all of the volunteers investing their time to ensure my administration can hit the ground running when we take office in January.”
Lt. Governor-elect and Transition Chair Dale Caldwell said the Action Teams reflect a clear public mandate.
“Mikie Sherrill was elected with a mandate to lower costs and these action teams are getting right to work to help us hit the ground running on Day One,” Caldwell said. “We are grateful to everyone stepping up and lending their expertise and I look forward to working with them as we fight to make a real difference for the people of New Jersey.”
The transition’s policy process will have three components:
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The Action Teams announced Friday
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An Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, to be announced soon
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Public engagement, including a statewide survey inviting residents to share priorities for the new administration
The transition will also seek formal input from local officials and stakeholders across industries including higher education, health care, business, housing and nonprofit services.
The Action Teams will focus on 10 priority areas:
• Making Energy More Affordable and Reliable
• Saving You Time and Money: Getting Government to Work for New Jerseyans
• Kids’ Mental Health and Online Safety
• Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership
• Transportation and Infrastructure Innovation
• Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability
• Delivering a Strong Education for New Jersey Children
• Jobs, Opportunity and Prosperity for All
• Affordable Healthcare: Addressing Washington’s Medicaid Cuts
• Driving New Jersey Forward: Economic Development and Innovation
Each team includes leaders from New Jersey and across the nation, with co-chairs ranging from former federal cabinet members to state policy experts and industry specialists. Teams will meet regularly, engage stakeholders and develop recommendations for Sherrill centered on affordability, efficiency and innovation.
The forthcoming Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force will bring together representatives from labor, business, veterans’ organizations, environmental groups, health systems, educators and others to broaden the administration’s understanding of statewide needs and challenges.
Sherrill’s transition team will also launch a statewide survey to collect input directly from New Jersey residents.
Full Action Team rosters, co-chairs and policy focus areas were released Friday and are available through the governor-elect’s website.
