By: Downtown New Jersey Staff

For more than three decades, Jef Buehler has been a driving force behind the revitalization of New Jersey’s downtowns and commercial corridors. His recent retirement marks the end of a career defined not only by professional accomplishments, but also by the relationships he built and the passion he carried for every community he touched.

From Grassroots to Statewide Impact

Buehler’s career in community revitalization began in 1989, rooted in a belief that downtowns are the beating heart of our communities. Whether working in dense urban environments or smaller suburban districts, Jef approached every project with the conviction that strong, vibrant main streets create stronger, more resilient towns.

That conviction guided his work at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where he championed the Main Street New Jersey program, an initiative under the National Main Street Center. Under his leadership, Main Street New Jersey became more than just a state program—it became a catalyst for local action, equipping municipalities with the tools, training, and technical assistance needed to reimagine their commercial corridors.

He later spearheaded a revitalization of the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), ensuring the program was responsive to both economic and social needs. His innovative approach re-centered the program on mixed-use revitalization, balancing residential priorities with equitable economic development. For many towns, these programs were the lifelines that turned aspiration into action.

A Champion at the Business Action Center

In his most recent role as Assistant Director of Business Enhancement Services at the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), Jef continued his mission with characteristic creativity and energy. He designed a flexible, community-driven model of support that could scale to meet towns where they were—whether that meant a single “one-off” consultation or a comprehensive special assessment with visual action plans and funding advocacy.

Through this work, he inspired projects that left tangible marks on the landscape of New Jersey, from local placemaking initiatives to federally funded infrastructure improvements. Towns such as Fair Lawn and Waldwick benefitted from his guidance, securing resources that will continue to shape their economies for years to come.

Beyond strategy and plans, Jef understood the importance of accessibility. He was instrumental in creating widely used resources like the New Jersey Small Business Manual, also published in Spanish, which provided entrepreneurs with practical guidance to start, run, and grow their businesses. For countless small business owners, this resource—paired with his personal mentorship—opened doors that may have otherwise remained closed.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Perhaps what set Jef apart most was his ability to connect. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with residents, small business owners, property owners, local officials, and nonprofit leaders. For him, revitalization wasn’t just a technical process—it was about people, pride, and the spirit of community.

Reflecting on his career at the time of his retirement, Jef said:

“It has been an honor to work with thousands of dedicated residents, business owners, property owners, elected and appointed officials … helping to increase our state’s quality of life and local economies – business by business and block by block.”

Those words capture not only his humility, but also the heart of his life’s work.

An Enduring Influence

Though Jef is stepping away from his official role, his influence will remain woven into the fabric of New Jersey’s downtowns. The revitalization plans he helped craft, the programs he redesigned, the entrepreneurs he encouraged, and the civic leaders he mentored will carry his work forward.

For the Downtown New Jersey community, Jef has been more than a colleague or partner—he has been a trusted friend, a tireless advocate, and a visionary leader. His career reminds us that downtown revitalization is about more than storefronts and streetscapes; it is about nurturing communities where people can thrive.

As we honor Jef Buehler’s retirement, we celebrate the countless ways he has strengthened New Jersey’s downtowns and, by extension, the state itself. His legacy will continue to inspire all of us working to ensure that our main streets remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient places for generations to come.