TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey has formally adopted a new State Development and Redevelopment Plan, marking the first comprehensive update to the state’s planning framework since 2001, state officials announced.
The State Planning Commission adopted the plan during its meeting on Dec. 17, 2025, advancing Gov. Phil Murphy’s goal of modernizing how the state guides growth, redevelopment and land use. Developed through collaboration across state, county and municipal governments, the plan is intended to guide public policy and encourage consistency in land use decisions statewide.
“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 Governor Murphy. “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 updated plan outlines 10 land-use priorities aimed at promoting balanced and inclusive growth, with new emphasis on environmental justice. It addresses economic development, housing, infrastructure, revitalization, climate change, natural and water resources, pollution cleanup, historic and scenic resources, equity and 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 Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the State Planning Commission in her role as secretary of state.
The plan’s adoption follows a multi-year public outreach process led by the Department of State’s Office of Planning Advocacy. That effort began in 2023 with the development of a preliminary draft, followed by public comment and a cross-acceptance process comparing local, county and state land-use plans to improve alignment across government levels.
State Planning Commission Chair Tom Wright said the updated plan reinforces New Jersey’s long-standing commitment to thoughtful growth.
“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. 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,” said Wright, who is also president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association. “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.”
The plan encourages development and redevelopment while emphasizing preservation of natural resources and builds on previous planning initiatives, including the 2018 report “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey.”
State agencies said the plan will help guide policy and investment decisions across multiple sectors.
“Alongside our local government partners, the Department of Environmental Protection plays a leading role in implementing the smart growth mindset of the State Plan while ensuring site-specific consistency with New Jersey’s flood safety, water quality, and land resource protection laws,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The updated Plan reflects New Jersey’s longstanding commitment to improving environmental quality, public health, and safety as we promote the growth of our communities and economy.”
Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez highlighted the plan’s role in supporting affordable housing and infrastructure resilience.
“The programs and resources provided by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), particularly in the areas of affordable housing and disaster mitigation, are critical to the State’s development and redevelopment strategy,” Suárez said. “We welcome a State Plan that supports DCA’s mission to help improve the quality of life for New Jersey families.”
Transportation and utility officials also praised the plan’s alignment with long-term infrastructure goals.
“Every project we construct at the NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) is built on three values: safety, equity, and sustainability,” said DOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor. “The updated State Development and Redevelopment Plan not only supports these values but also ensures that DOT can provide a transportation system that connects New Jersey’s communities and strengthens our economy.”
“The updated State Development and Redevelopment Plan represents an important milestone in New Jersey’s commitment to strategic growth and sustainable development,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl Sadovy.
The plan was developed under the guidance of the State Planning Commission with support from the Office of Planning Advocacy within the New Jersey Business Action Center.
“Getting to Plan adoption has been a multi-year process for our Office,” said Walter Lane, executive director of the Office of Planning Advocacy. “This Plan is for the benefit of the residents of New Jersey so it was important to hear their voices.”
Business and planning advocates said the updated plan provides a critical framework for the state’s future.
“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,” said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future.
