Getting Back to Business Safely
May 8, 2020 – During an online Downtown Management Forum, members of DNJ discussed concerns, ideas, and needs for reopening safely.
Forums & Workshops
Downtown New Jersey offers a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities for downtown managers, economic development professionals, and public officials to exchange ideas about best practices related to downtown economic development. Check out the opportunities to interact with your peers below.
Upcoming Forums
Past Forums
Click “Learn More” for summaries, videos, PowerPoints, and other resources.
Learn More
Supporting Local Economies
April 28, 2020 – As part of Sustainable Jersey’s Virtual Summit, Downtown New Jersey Executive Director, Courtenay Mercer and NJDCA’s Neighborhood Preservation Program Administrator, Jef Buehler discussed how we can support local business when it’s not business as usual.
Downtown Budgeting Now
April 24, 2020 – We were joined by Donna Ann Harris of Heritage Consulting Inc. to discuss the BID board’s role in financial oversight and budgeting in light of COVID-19 economic impacts.
Real Estate Market Recovery
April 17, 2020 – We were joined by Marta Person Villa, NJ Retail Lead and Senior Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle and a former SID director, municipal administrator, and DNJ President. Ms. Villa discussed “what’s next” – how does your downtown recover from economic upheaval, and what can you do now to plan for a time when we’re all back to business?
Survival Marketing
April 3, 2020 – Mike Blinder, Founder & President of The Blinder Group, publisher of Editor & Publisher Magazine, and author of Survival Selling Even in the Toughest Times presented his Survival Marketing Workshop on how to market effectively in tough economic times.
Economic Relief Legislation
March 27, 2020 – We were joined by Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services at NJEDA and Erika Calderon, Small Business Legislative Aid from Senator Menendez’s office to discuss programs to provide economic relief to downtowns and small business.
Downtown Manager Exchange
March 20, 2020 – During an online Downtown Management Forum, downtown management professionals exchanged ideas about best practices related to downtown economic development in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Participants shared concerns for small businesses and their employees, questions for clarity related to closures, and policy and legislative needs to further assist small businesses.
Downtown Management Round Table
February 7, 2020 – More than 30 public officials, downtown managers, and economic development directors gathered at round table discussion in East Orange to exchange ideas about hot topics in downtown economic development.
Reforming New Jersey’s Antiquated Liquor Laws
January, 24, 2020 – DNJ President, Bob Zuckerman, was featured in a NJ Planning Conference Session about reforming New Jersey’s outdated liquor laws.
TOD in Your Downtown Forum: Placemaking in Transit-Friendly Downtowns
February 11, 2020: Planners, municipal officials, members of the real estate community, and placemaking experts gathered on December 6, 2019 at the Edward J. Bloustein School in New Brunswick for the 2nd TOD in Your Downtown Forum.