Featured Action

Share your housing story

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Featured Resource

Averting Residential Displacement

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Featured News

Committed to Planning for Prosperity

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Featured Issue Area

Water Infrastructure for Thriving Communities

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Driving Change

New Jersey is already the most developed state in the nation — and with so little land left, every development decision matters. To build a thriving future, we must reinvest in our towns and cities while safeguarding the forests, farms, and shorelines that define our state’s identity. That means making redevelopment not just easier, but fairer and more beneficial for everyone. As we reimagine our communities, we have to ensure that people can move around without relying on a car, breathe clean air, drink safe water, afford to live and work here, and stay protected from climate-driven risks. Our programs and policies are designed to advance all of these priorities together — strengthening our communities while protecting the people who call New Jersey home.

Our Issues

$30 BILLION

Needs to be invested in New Jersey’s water infrastructure over the next 20 years to replace lead service lines, identify and remove toxic contaminants, and reduce flooding. We are advocating for the funding.

38 PERCENT

Of our emissions come from vehicles, the largest source of greenhouse gases in New Jersey. We research and advocate ways to expand alternative modes of transportation for more vibrant, walkable communities designed for people, not cars.

1,269 PEOPLE

Per sq. mi. making New Jersey the most densely populated state in the nation, with a limited supply of available land. We develop innovative policy that centers growth through redevelopment, leaving our open spaces open.

20 YEARS

Is the difference in life expectancy between urban Trenton (69 years) and suburban Princeton (89 years), just ten miles away. We campaign for every zip code to be a place where people can live their healthiest lives.

4TH RANKED

State with the most outflow of residents because too many people cannot find an affordable, stable, and healthy home in a neighborhood that meets their needs. We’re building coalitions to address this crisis.

1.7 MILLON

New Jerseyans live in flood-prone areas at risk from more frequent, severe storms and sea-level rise. We offer strategies for developing climate change adaptation to keep our communities safer and more resilient.

Smart Policies. Strong Communities. Sustainable Future.

Smart Policies. Strong Communities. Sustainable Future.
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Smart growth isn’t just about where we build— it’s about how we build and who we are building for. For nearly four decades, New Jersey Future has championed smart and equitable growth for the betterment of the Garden State. We are dedicated to protecting our natural resources, expanding transportation options, and ensuring access to affordable, inclusive neighborhoods for people of all ages. Through research, advocacy, coalition building, and direct assistance, we’re proving that environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity go hand in hand.

Our Mission

Latest News

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11/26/2025

Stormwater Utilities—Peeling Back the Onion
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11/06/2025

New Jersey Future Congratulates Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill
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10/22/2025

Obama to campaign with Sherrill in New Jersey, Ciattarelli gets endorsement from Trump
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10/20/2025

NJ’s housing costs are skyrocketing. What will the next governor do? (NJ Spotlight News)
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10/15/2025

Op-Ed: The next governor has 1.6 million reasons to prioritize aging
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10/13/2025

NJ Towns Must Accept Character Change for New Affordable Housing, Poll Says (NJ 101.5)
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10/10/2025

New Jersey Future celebrates 2025 Smart Growth Awards at SOPAC
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10/06/2025

Poll: Housing cost top issue in N.J.; voters want lawmakers to take action (ROI-NJ)
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10/04/2025

NJF Comments on Recommendations to Target Zero Commission
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09/23/2025

Aging in Hoboken: How 3 Local Women Navigate Life in a Youthful City
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09/19/2025

NJF Comments on REAL Notice of Substantial Change
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09/19/2025

NJ Renters Can Now Test Their Tap Water for Lead
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09/19/2025

Free Water Testing for Lead Introduced for NJ Renters
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09/19/2025

Acting Governor Way Signs Legislation Enhancing Lead Disclosure and Testing Requirements
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09/19/2025

Lead Disclosure Bill Now Law
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09/18/2025

September 2025 Newsletter
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09/17/2025

LISC-NJ Executive Director Jorge Cruz Acting as Jury Member for 2025 Smart Growth Awards
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09/15/2025

Decrepit North Jersey water pipe that failed, affecting 200K, is just tip of the iceberg
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09/05/2025

State program in focus as Michaels, Virtua open new Camden housing with on-site health care
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09/04/2025

Great Homes and Neighborhoods for All proposes zoning reform priorities (BINJE)

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Power Our Progress

Your generous support is essential to our mission. It fuels the research, advocacy, and on-the-ground assistance we provide to communities, helping to create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous New Jersey for all.

 

 

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