Local Leadership: From Main Street to State Street, NJCM Facilitates Input on State Plan

New Jersey Conference of Mayors Brings Municipal Voices to the Forefront in State Development & Redevelopment Planning

June 19, 2025 TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM), in partnership with the New Jersey State Planning Commission and Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, recently hosted a strategic session that brought local leadership to the table to help shape the future of the Garden State.

The event, which focused on the draft update of the 2001 New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP), provided an opportunity for mayors across the state to share direct input on land use, infrastructure, and sustainability priorities. Moderated by Mayor Janice Mironov of East Windsor Township, the session featured a comprehensive presentation by Walter Lane, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Planning Advocacy, followed by open discussion and feedback.

“This type of collaboration is exactly what NJCM aims to foster — connecting mayors with state agencies to ensure their voices help shape New Jersey’s future,” said Mayor Jason F. Cilento, Mayor of the Borough of Dunellen and NJCM President. “I thank the Office of New Jersey Planning Advocacy, Rutgers Bloustein School, and Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement for helping make this session possible. The expertise shared by Walter Lane, Heather Fenyk, and Tom Dallessio made for an insightful and productive dialogue. We look forward to continuing this engagement as the SDRP moves toward finalization.”

Participants emphasized the importance of aligning state planning tools with municipal goals and priorities.

Mayor Janice Mironov, NJCM Legislative Relations and Municipal Advocacy Liaison, remarked, “The NJ State Development and Redevelopment Plan could be an important tool for municipal and county officials in furthering local and regional planning goals and accessing supporting resources. The State of New Jersey requires a serious vehicle and coordinating means to reconcile and align a myriad of goals, including land use, housing production, preserving farms and open space, sustainable and resiliency practices, infrastructure needs, transportation, and economic development. We appreciate the valuable information from professional planners and the thoughtful dialogue among participants.”

Environmental and academic leaders also contributed to the discussion, recognizing the SDRP’s role in supporting both local and regional sustainability.

Heather Fenyk, Board President and Executive Director of the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, stated, “By recognizing the importance of regional collaboration—not only in development and redevelopment, but also in environmental restoration and long-term sustainability—the NJCM is helping to shape a more resilient future for our communities.”

Tom Dallessio, Executive Director of the Musconetcong Watershed Association and Rutgers Lecturer, noted, “The State Plan can benefit towns by guiding thoughtful investments in critical infrastructure like roads, sewers, and open space. The NJCM’s input ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently based on real community needs.”

Clint Andrews, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research, added, “Our research team values the chance to understand mayors' real concerns. Tools like fiscal analysis platforms help explore trade-offs that balance environmental and financial outcomes, such as the tax impacts of buying out flood-prone properties.”

As the draft SDRP continues to evolve, the NJCM will work with state agencies and its membership to advocate for a final plan that reflects the diverse priorities of New Jersey’s communities—from Main Street to State Street.

For more information on the SDRP and to view the current draft, visit: https://nj.gov/state/planning

About the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM):

Founded in 1963, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM) is the largest statewide organization in the nation, exclusively representing the interests of mayors. NJCM advocates on behalf of all 564 municipalities in New Jersey, serving as a powerful, bipartisan voice for local government at both the state and federal levels. Through events, education, and legislative advocacy, NJCM supports these local leaders with the tools and connections they need to lead effectively and strengthen their communities. To learn more, visit www.NewJerseyConferenceofMayors.com.