Gov. Murphy Inaugural Remarks Highlight
Smart-Growth Priorities To Boost State’s Economic Growth

TRENTON, Jan. 16 — New Jersey Future congratulates Phil Murphy on his inauguration as New Jersey’s 56th governor.

“It was very encouraging to hear the governor highlight so many of the policy areas included in New Jersey Future’s mission in his inaugural address,” said New Jersey Future Executive Director Peter Kasabach. “His focus, and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver’s focus in her speech, on growing the state’s economy through state leadership and collaboration with both the Legislature and New Jersey’s communities is a strong indication that this administration has a clear grasp of what it will take to enable New Jersey to maximize the opportunities it has before it.”

In his address the governor and lieutenant governor also highlighted as priorities the need to acknowledge and take action on climate change; the need to retain the state’s Millennials and Baby Boomers; the crisis in housing affordability; the need to fund upgrades to critical infrastructure; and the need to create an economic climate where innovators and startups can thrive. These are all key elements of New Jersey Future’s gubernatorial blueprint outlining how smart-growth policies enhance economic growth.

Continued Mr. Kasabach, “We look forward to working with the Murphy administration and the new Legislature on smart growth initiatives that will make the state more fair, more vibrant, and more sustainable.”
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About New Jersey Future
Founded in 1987, New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible growth, redevelopment and infrastructure investments to foster vibrant cities and towns, protect natural lands and waterways, enhance transportation choices, provide access to safe, affordable and aging-friendly neighborhoods and fuel a strong economy. The organization does this through original research, innovative policy development, coalition-building, advocacy, and hands-on strategic assistance. New Jersey Future serves as the backbone staff for the Jersey Water Works collaborative.