RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday highlighted steps her administration is taking to streamline permitting and regulatory processes, saying the changes are aimed at saving time and money for New Jersey residents and businesses.
Sherrill visited Advanced Solar Products in Raritan Township, where she met with owner Lyle Rawlings to discuss challenges businesses face in securing permits. She was joined by New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken and New Jersey Business & Industry Association Chief Government Affairs Officer Chris Emigholz.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and central to job creation, innovation, and strong local communities. Rather than being a source of red tape and bureaucratic roadblocks, state government should work for our business community, helping to build up entrepreneurs by expanding opportunity and lowering costs,” said Governor Sherrill. “My Administration is making it a top priority to provide public servants with the tools they need to improve customer service by modernizing outdated systems and expediting permitting and regulatory processes so businesses can spend more time growing and investing.”
The governor outlined several initial steps under her “Save You Time & Money” agenda. All state agencies have been directed to complete a comprehensive catalog of permits and approvals by April 20, 2026, to identify outdated or duplicative requirements and inform reforms under Executive Order 5.
Her office has also convened working sessions and conducted initial permitting reviews with leadership and staff at the Department of Transportation, Department of Community Affairs and Department of Environmental Protection to examine permit processes and identify opportunities to reduce delays.
In collaboration with the New Jersey Innovation Authority, the administration is developing a real-time permitting dashboard that would allow applicants to track progress and increase transparency. Officials said a pilot version will launch with a limited set of projects before expanding.
Since taking office, Sherrill has met with business organizations, chambers of commerce and industry leaders across the state to discuss barriers and potential improvements. She has also convened her Cabinet to emphasize a customer service approach across agencies, according to her office.
“Today’s visit in Flemington underscores a refreshing shift in how the administration is engaging with the business community. The outreach demonstrated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, as well as Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette and others, marks a welcome change from past years and signals the beginning of a true partnership between government and business — one that can help accelerate the economic growth that is sorely needed across New Jersey,” said Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “We also applaud the administration’s focus on cost savings and regulatory reform, priorities that are strongly supported by the business community and essential to making our state more competitive.”
On her first day in office, Sherrill signed executive orders intended to reduce costs and delays by increasing accountability and transparency in the state’s permitting and regulatory systems. The orders launched cross-agency efforts to streamline approvals, reduce redundancies and establish clearer timelines for businesses navigating the process.
The governor also announced plans for a 21-county tour in the coming months with Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell and Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette to meet with business leaders and residents to gather feedback on improving government effectiveness. Additional details on the tour are expected soon.
