Adoption of State Development and Redevelopment Plan Announced

On Dec 22, 2025

The State Planning Commission has formally adopted a new State Development and Redevelopment Plan at its Dec. 17 meeting.

The plan, developed through collaboration across all levels of government, serves as a guide to inform the public and encourage state agencies, counties, and municipalities to align their land use policies with its vision. It aims to promote a balanced and inclusive strategy for managing and guiding growth across New Jersey, centered on ten key land-use priorities.

“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 Gov. Phil 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 State Redevelopment Plan lays the foundation for a more inclusive future by creating fairer, more equitable communities for generations to come,” said Lieutenant Gov. Tahesha Way, who oversees the State Planning Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State.

The Plan’s adoption is the culmination of an extensive outreach effort by the Department of State’s Office of Planning Advocacy, which began in 2023 to develop a preliminary draft plan. After the State Planning Commission approved the publication of the Preliminary Draft Plan in December 2024, the Office of Planning Advocacy embarked on a months-long public comment period, and then followed with a cross acceptance process of comparing municipal, county, and state land-use plans with the State Plan.

The updated Plan lays out 10 goals, including a new focus on environmental justice, and builds upon the state’s ongoing initiatives to address the following areas:

1. Economic Development
2. Housing
3. Infrastructure
4. Revitalization and Re-centering
5. Climate Change
6. Natural and Water Resources
7. Pollution and Environmental Cleanup
8. Historic and Scenic Resources
9. Equity
10. Comprehensive Planning

The updated Plan builds on other comprehensive planning efforts like the 2018 report, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey,” which highlighted investments in people, communities, and innovation.

“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 Tom Wright, chair of the State Planning Commission and 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.”

“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 Commissioner of Environmental Protection 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.”

“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. Through initiatives such as NJ Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES), Resilient Communities, and the Smart Move Program, we’re helping local governments find innovative ways to create quality housing that is safe and affordable to residents of all income levels and to build public infrastructure that is more resilient to natural disasters like flooding,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We welcome a State Plan that supports DCA’s mission to help improve the quality of life for New Jersey families. We look forward to doing our part to implement the plan to the benefit of current and future generations of New Jersey residents.”

To view the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, please click here.

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