LATEST ARTICLES

Reform New Jersey Alliance Liquor License

Liquor License Reform

After decades of advocacy from Downtown New Jersey and others, New Jersey is on the precipice of real liquor license reform. With an end goal in sight, we need your help once again to push reform forward!

Read More »
Main Street Pops Artisan Market

Artisan Markets: 10 Key Components To Success

Outdoor Artisan Markets are an excellent way to increase excitement in your area, forge community connections and boost local economic development. These dynamic and interactive markets act as “Creative Placemaking’‘, providing a meaningful space where artists and makers share their creations and people can engage with one another, attracting local residents and visitors alike to your downtown area.

Read More »
newsworthy

Pro-Tips for Getting Press

Marketing is about effectively communicating your unique selling proposition. Through thoughtful planned content marketing and “earned media”, businesses can effectively and affordably communicate with their customers and potential customers and ensure that the right audience has the information they need to bring them through the front door.

Read More »

News

downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
3 Feb

Member Spotlight Archive: The development of Byrne Plaza has expanded the entertainment value of @DoWildwoodNJ as a vacation destination. Visitors ...can step off the boardwalk and into #downtown to experience a new avenue of entertainment possibilities. https://ed.gr/dxk6g

Twitter 1621550337445224448
downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
1 Feb

Call to Action: An equitable liquor license process is important to the economic vitality of NJ's #downtowns. @GovMurphy's explicit support for ...reform in his SOTS address is a great step forward. Find out how you can help get this done in 2023... https://www.downtownnj.com/liquor-reform/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Twitter 1620780260928241665
downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
30 Jan

Downtown management jobs are available in Plainfield SID, @MontclairCenter, Town of Kearny, @InAsburyPark, @SetonVillageSO, @CentralAveSID, ...@DowntownHammont.
https://www.downtownnj.com/jobs/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Twitter 1620165170541596672
downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
27 Jan

Member Spotlight Archive: With over thirty different eateries offering something for every taste, Verona has become a food destination, & its ...time the rest of the state knows our secret! https://ed.gr/dxqyq

Twitter 1619013620809011200
downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
27 Jan

All about the great work @DowntownHDSID does with its Farmers Market. We're proud to count them among our members, and thankful they spoke at one of ...our forums early in COVID, sharing advice for re-opening markets. https://healthierjc.com/featured-mini-grantee-historic-downtown-special-improvement-district/

Twitter 1618970238078586881
downtownnj downtownnj @downtownnj ·
25 Jan

From the Downtown Management Forum Archive: @NJDCA's Jef Buehler shares best practices from Neighborhood Preservation Program initiatives throughout ...the state to highlight how communities can Get Together, Get Ready, Get Found, & Be Open. https://ed.gr/dxmpn

Twitter 1618289094789832704

Archives

2023
  • 2023 Liquor License Reform
    After decades of advocacy from Downtown New Jersey and others, New Jersey is on the precipice of real liquor license reform. With an end goal in sight, we need your help once again to push reform forward!
2022
  • 2022 Annual NJ Downtown Conference Reveals How Downtowns Can Become Destinations
    December 1-2, 2022 - The premiere downtown economic development event of the year, the annual New Jersey Downtown Conference hosts industry experts who provide insights into downtown management best practices, as well as development, business and retail market trends.
  • 2022 Highland Park: A Small but Mighty Downtown on the Banks of the Old Raritan
    A short walk over the bridge from New Brunswick and Rutgers University, Highland Park is a shining example of what can be done on a shoestring budget with a committed group of volunteers, local officials, and a tiny Main Street staff.
  • 2022 Artisan Markets: 10 Key Components To Success
    Outdoor Artisan Markets are an excellent way to increase excitement in your area, forge community connections and boost local economic development. These dynamic and interactive markets act as “Creative Placemaking'‘, providing a meaningful space where artists and makers share their creations and people can engage with one another, attracting local residents and visitors alike to your downtown area.
  • 2022 Effective Growth Strategies for Business Improvement Districts
    Creating a BID can often be the easiest part of the process. Growing it to be a successful and lasting organization is an entirely different challenge.
  • 2022 Pro-Tips for Getting Press
    Marketing is about effectively communicating your unique selling proposition. Through thoughtful planned content marketing and “earned media”, businesses can effectively and affordably communicate with their customers and potential customers and ensure that the right audience has the information they need to bring them through the front door.
  • 2022 Expanding First-Mile, Last-Mile Access to Transit
    First-mile, last-mile travel (FMLM), the beginning and final stretches of any transit journey, is overwhelmingly made by “active transportation modes (walking/biking/wheelchair/etc.)” When thinking about walking first and last miles, we need to prioritize better walks rather than shorter walks.
  • 2022 2022 Downtown Excellence Awards
    May 24, 2022 - Downtown New Jersey celebrated those dedicated to making NJ’s downtowns vibrant.
  • 2022 Rethinking the Right of Way
    May 18, 2022 - From Downtown New Jersey, NJTOD.org, and NJ Transit's Transit Friendly Planning program's TOD in Your Downtown forum series, a panel of experts from public and private entities to discuss their experience rethinking the right-of-way (ROW).
  • 2022 New Jersey’s Single-Use Plastic bags and Polystyrene Foam Ban
    New Jersey's plastics and polystyrene ban went into effect May 2022 - what it means for small businesses in New Jersey.
  • 2022 Annual NJ Downtown Conference Provides Strategies to Reimagine and Reinvent
    February 10-11, 2022 - Downtown New Jersey’s annual conference and New Jersey’s premiere economic development event, Reimage and Reinvent Downtown, offered insights and lessons into downtown management best practices, as well as development, business, and retail market trends.
  • 2022 Downtown Somerville – The Evolution of Somerset County’s Gem
    One walk down Main Street in Somerville, and you are captivated. This small downtown district is packed with things to do and see that have people consistently coming back to relive the magical experience.
  • 2022 NPP 2.0: Connecting Neighborhoods & Commercial Districts
    Through the Neighborhood Preservation Program, the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) provides grants and its State NPP Team offers a robust array of technical assistance and training in support of locally-sourced and bottom-up efforts.
  • 2022 The 10 Rules of Successful Experience Design
    These ten rules for creating successful experiences have helped store owners make tremendous impact on their business, neighborhood, and community by relying on the design of their storefronts.
  • 2022 Successfully Marketing Your Downtown
    New Jersey’s downtowns are reaping the benefits of implementing robust branding, marketing, and public relations campaigns. No matter the size of the town, promoting its unique assets spurs economic development, tourism, new business, and job growth.
  • 2022 What Can an App Do For My Town That A Website Can’t?
    Mobile apps are easier to use and will ultimately result in increased engagement, leading to better community participation and vibrancy.
  • 2022 Downtown New Jersey Announces New Board Members
    January 3, 2022 - Downtown New Jersey announces the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, as well as new officers for 2022.
2021
  • 2021 Policy Watch – October 2021
    October 11, 2021 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns.
  • 2021 Invest Newark Creates Pathways to Opportunity for Newarkers
    Invest Newark propels Newark’s strong and diverse economy, builds vibrant communities, and creates opportunities for all Newarkers.
  • 2021 Your Downtown Can Surge with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations!
    Are you looking for a new way to spark up your downtown district? Could your downtown use a recharge? Then you should consider adding new electric vehicle charging stations to your business district!
  • 2021 Tools for [Small Biz] Titans 
    Main Street Online is a new tool to help businesses grow and strengthen their online and e-commerce capabilities.
  • 2021 9 Actions to Ensure Your Town App is a Valuable Resource
    Having – and maintaining – a purposeful and informative digital presence is the new ‘window shopping’, even for towns. Your digital presence might be a person’s first interaction with your town – you want to put your best foot forward!
  • 2021 NJEDA’s Main Street Recovery Program Sets the Stage for Stronger, Fairer Recovery from COVID-19
    The New Jersey Economic Development Authority's 'Main Street Recovery Program' is working to ensure a strong and equitable recovery from the economic impacts of Covid-19.
  • 2021 Policy Watch – May 2021
    May 25, 2021 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns.
  • 2021 Verona Plays to its Strengths
    Verona’s evolution in recent years makes it home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the state. With over thirty different eateries offering something for every taste, Verona has become a food destination, and its time the rest of the state knows our secret!
  • 2021 Ride My Seesaw
    Downtown Westfield Corporation leveraged their Main Street New Jersey grant to install a unique family-friendly attraction that would draw crowds to downtown in the winter.
  • 2021 Brownfields Partners
    Brownfields redevelopment is a team sport. Developing relationships and meaningful partnerships are critical to success.
  • 2021 Policy Watch Prevailing Wage
    February 8, 2021 - Action Alert: Advancing legislation is extremely detrimental to a municipality’s ability to incentivize and support downtown redevelopment.
  • 2021 Special COVID-19 Policy Watch Update
    February 5, 2021 - Another round of PPP and a new State Economic Recovery bill. Check out the special COVID-19 update to see how your downtown is affected.
  • 2021 Policy Watch – February 2021
    February 5, 2021 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns.
  • 2021 Keeping NJ’s Busiest Cities Clean & Succeeding
    February 5, 2021 - As the COVID-19 pandemic was creating unprecedented public health and economic pressure across the state, Commercial District Services responded by helping districts rise to the challenge; offering heightened sanitation services, creating access to COVID testing, and providing financial support to local businesses and community members.
  • 2021 The Importance of Flexible Streets
    It is during challenging times that we get to rethink how we can work together to thrive and stay resilient. For many cities and towns, the secret to their success is something we have been advocating for long before “streeteries” and pop-up plazas were a thing - Flexible Streets.
  • 2021 Annual NJ Downtown Conference Focuses on Recovery
    January 19-22, 2021 - Downtown New Jersey’s annual conference and New Jersey’s premiere economic development event, Downtown Recovery: Survive and Thrive in 2021, offered insights and lessons into downtown management best practices, as well as development, business, and retail market trends.
  • 2021 2021 Placemaking Awards Announced
    January 21, 2021 - Downtown New Jersey recognized achievement in downtown placemaking at an awards ceremony during the annual NJ Downtown Conference.
  • 2021 Transform Contaminated Properties into Downtown Assets
    January 14, 2021 - The redevelopment of brownfields are unique opportunities for New Jersey’s downtowns to spur economic development, generate jobs, increase property values, reduce sprawl, and develop community needed assets such as mixed-use development, retail, health care facilities, and entertainment venues, just to name a few.
  • 2021 Winter Tents for Your Downtown
    November 17, 2020 - So, you’re thinking about putting tents up to extend outdoor dining through the winter, but aren’t quite sure of the requirements or how to go about doing it?
  • 2021 Federal Help for Rural Downtowns—Yes, NJ has rural towns
    January 4, 2021 - Since its formation under the 1990 Farm Bill, USDA Rural Development NJ has been helping rural communities with infrastructure improvements, job growth, affordable housing and essential health care, educational and emergency services.
2020
  • 2020 Liquor License Reform Town Hall
    December 4, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey hosted a panel of legislators, along with a local official and restaurateur to discuss liquor license reform.
  • 2020 The NJBAC is Here to Help
    December 1, 2020 –The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) team knows that the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions designed to combat the virus, means New Jersey’s downtown shopping and dining districts look much different than they did this time last year. If your downtown businesses have questions, the NJBAC works to get the answers.
  • 2020 Downtowns Help Businesses Expand Outdoors
    October 27, 2020 - The constraints of limited indoor capacity for restaurants and retailers has meant that municipalities and downtown organizations had to get creative expanding into the public realm. Many of our members have worked with their municipal governments to ease or remove barriers to outdoor commerce.
  • 2020 Policy Watch – October 2020
    October 22, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns.
  • 2020 Rethinking Public Space in 2021
    October 19, 2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic has hurled both new and existing issues to the forefront of public space considerations, forcing placemakers and public space managers to rethink the way we plan, design, and program public space.
  • 2020 Got Brownfields?
    October 15, 2020 - NJ’s municipalities now have a free resource to help them overcome the challenges brownfields pose to our communities. The NJ Brownfields Assistance Center @ NJIT is the first-of-its-kind center that solely focuses on and serves New Jersey.  
  • 2020 Winning Winter
    October 2, 2020 - Metuchen Downtown Alliance Executive Director, Isaac Kremer, and Storefront Mastery‘s Storefront Ninja, Jaime Izurieta, led a discussion about best practices in placemaking to make your downtown inviting and comfortable during cold weather.
  • 2020 Marketing During a Global Pandemic
    Sept. 21, 2020 - Small business owners have a lot to think about, but the possibility of a global pandemic was likely not chief among their worries. Now that we are facing one, local businesses are facing a host of challenges. Communicating effectively with customers and clients has never been more important. 
  • 2020 The Retail New Deal
    September 18, 2020 - National retail consultant and Downtown specialist Mike Berne, President of New York City and San Francisco Bay Area-based MJB Consulting, led a discussion about harnessing creative thinking, collaboration, and adaptability to encourage the timely emergence of new innovations and business models in response to changing realities and unforeseeable shocks.
  • 2020 Recovery Marketing
    August 18, 2020 - At this forum, seasoned communications expert Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt of Suasion Communications Group, led a discussion about public relations, digital marketing, and creative brand strategy for downtowns in recovery.
  • 2020 Reinventing Events
    July 29, 2020 - At this forum, we were joined by John Donio, President of Wildwood BID, Ollyn Lettman, Director of Bloomfield Center Alliance, and Emily Manz of EMI Strategy who shared their experiences staging in-person and virtual events.
  • 2020 Policy Watch – July 2020
    July 22, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns.
  • 2020 Spotlight Relief Funds
    July 21, 2020 - In this edition of Member Spotlight, we want to recognize and thank the many DNJ members that have implemented local fundraising efforts to provide direct assistance to the businesses, first responders, and vulnerable community members.
  • 2020 Value Of SIDS
    July 15, 2020 - Now more than ever, it is important to recognize that local governments and SIDs stand together, effectuating a critical partnership that supports and strengthens municipal services.
  • 2020 Commercial District Recovery
    June 26, 2020 - At this forum, Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director of Research & Analysis at Streetsense, provided an overview of the Commercial District Recovery Guide that provides place-based organizations and intermediary partners focused on community economic development with a curated roadmap for action to support COVID-19 recovery efforts in downtowns and commercial districts.
  • 2020 Re-Entry for Retailers
    June 19, 2020 - At this forum, we learned best practices from industry experts, and how NJ business owners are handling re-entry.
  • 2020 Gift Cards Mean Money in the Register Now
    June 17, 2020 - New Jersey business improvement districts and corporations are making purchases to support local restaurants and retailers, while also spreading the word about great restaurants and stores downtown.
  • 2020 Digital Resources for Downtowns
    June 12, 2020 - Now more than ever, “going digital” is necessary to stay relevant and present in the consumer’s mind. At this forum, we heard about a few of the digital resources that our members have found valuable for both their downtown and their businesses.
  • 2020 NJEDA Phase 2 Small Business Emergency Assistance Grants
    May 29, 2020 - At this forum, Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services at NJEDA provided an overview of the Phase 2 Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program.
  • 2020 Is Your Downtown Ready to Re-Open for Business?
    May 22, 2020 - At this forum, panelists discussed how towns can amend their ordinances and permitting processes now to ensure they fully support their businesses’ ability to adapt to social distancing expectations.
  • 2020 Downtown New Jersey Named to “Main Street”
    May 18, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey’s Executive Director, Courtenay Mercer, has been named to the “Main Street” Committee of the NJ Restart and Recovery Council. The committee includes representatives from small business establishments, chambers of commerce, unions, small business lenders, and other related advocacy and education non-profits.
  • 2020 Farmers Markets in the New Normal
    May 13, 2020 - During an online Downtown Management Forum, we were joined by Rachel Sieg of the HDSID and Rebecca Hersh of Main Street Highland Park, to lead a conversation about reopening farmer's markets safely and successfully.
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 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?
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 How Local News Strengthens Communities
    December 30, 2019 - In today's digitally driven world, getting the word out about what is happening in our communities has become even more challenging as local newspapers have disappeared. Local news is a vital service for communities and can provide benefits for downtowns, chambers of commerce and business improvement districts.
  • 2020 Policy Watch – March 2020
    March 11, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues.
  • 2020 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.
  • 2020 Public Plazas: 8 Key Considerations When Planning a Public Plaza
    February 5, 2020 - Vibrant and active public plazas are an important element of successful redevelopment in downtowns and urban areas.
  • 2020 East Orange Takes Local Energy to the Next Level
    January 28, 2020 - The City of East Orange is experiencing a building boom. The most important ingredient to this success has been the proactive and inclusive growth environment that Mayor Ted Green and East Orange City Council have created.
  • 2020 Downtown New Jersey Announces New Board Members
    January 8, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey announces the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors.
  • 2020 Downtown New Jersey Announces New Officers
    January 8, 2020 - Downtown New Jersey announces the appointment of new officers to its Board of Directors.
2019
  • 2019 TOD in Your Downtown Forum: Placemaking in Transit-Friendly Downtowns
    December 6, 2019 - Planners, municipal officials, members of the real estate community, and placemaking experts gathered at the Edward J. Bloustein School in New Brunswick for the 2nd TOD in Your Downtown Forum.
  • 2019 Annual Downtown NJ Conference: “The Value of Downtown”
    October 18, 2019 - Downtown New Jersey’s annual conference and New Jersey’s premiere economic development event, “The Value of Downtown: Capitalizing on Your Assets to Realize Success”, offered insights into downtown management best practices, as well as development, business and retail market trends.
  • 2019 Professionals set to gather at annual Downtown Conference
    The DNJ Annual Conference hosts industry experts who provide insights into downtown management best practices, as well as market trends.
  • 2019 Shop, Dine, and Discover Downtown Haddonfield
    September 19, 2019 - Downtown Haddonfield's 200 shops, inviting eateries, sculptures, historic sites and dramatic streetscape make it one of the most fabulous places to spend the day.
  • 2019 2019 Downtown Excellence Awards Announced
    October 18, 2019 - Downtown New Jersey celebrated initiatives that have made a major or sustained impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey at an awards ceremony during its annual Downtown Conference at the Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield, NJ.
  • 2019 Smartphone Technology
    September 10, 2019 - With the current number of smartphone users in the United States estimated to be 265 million, smart phone use is omnipresent. Besides social media, how can a downtown community connect to these smart phone users?
  • 2019 Banning Single Use Plastic Bags, Straws & Styrofoam Containers
    September 9, 2019 - While New Jersey was on the verge of leading the ban against plastic bags in Spring of 2018, the bill was vetoed by Governor Murphy because it was not strict enough. Now towns are taking action into their own hands. Here's what you need to know...
  • 2019 Policy Watch – September 2019
    September 6, 2019 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues.
  • 2019 DNJ Policy Watch – June 2019
    June 6, 2019 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking judicial and legislative issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues.
  • 2019 TOD in Your Downtown Forum: Making TOD Real
    May 30, 2019 - Over 50 professionals in downtown management, design, and development joined together to watch the Downtown New Jersey and NJTOD.org co-hosted panel discussion, Making TOD Real – Planning & Building Transit-Oriented Development in NJ.
  • 2019 Negative Impact on redevelopment linked to PILOTs
    May 17, 2019 - For decades, New Jersey has experienced notable success with redeveloping many of its distressed areas by affording municipalities the ability to provide tax incentives to redevelopers (e.g. PILOTs). New legislation could negatively impact the value of this incentive.
  • 2019 Placemaking a Success for Wildwood BID
    May 14, 2019 - Byrne Plaza, located in the heart of Downtown Wildwood, brings the community together for events, fun photo ops and relaxation. Byrne Plaza’s prime location among local businesses, including a robust dining district, is key factor in its contribution to the evolving Downtown Wildwood.
  • 2019 Master Planning & Community Engagement for Your Downtown
    April 30, 2019 - The Town of Westfield has committed to leading a community-wide, collaborative process to reexamine its master plan to address issues of land use, transportation and parking, housing, downtown economic development, community facilities and historic preservation. The Downtown Westfield Corporation is a part of this process, from having a seat on the Master Plan Steering Committee, to encouraging its members’ involvement in the public engagement process established.
  • 2019 Downtown Management Round Table
    March 15, 2019 - More than 20 downtown managers, economic development directors and non-profit representatives gathered at round table discussion in Newark on March 15th to exchange ideas about hot topics in downtown economic development. The topic for this round table was funding for facade improvements and other downtown beautification initiatives.
  • 2019 Are There Virtues in Vice?
    March 8, 2019 - DNJ's Courtenay Mercer moderated a panel at the NJ Redevelopment Forum talking about the history of regulating vices in New Jersey, and how changing social attitudes and economic incentives were changing the way vices were being viewed.
  • 2019 NJTOD.org is New Jersey’s Home for TOD News
    February 14, 2019 - NJTOD.org (formerly known as the Transit-Friendly Development Newsletter) is New Jersey’s online resource for up-to-date information on the creation of vibrant communities around transit stations and stops.
  • 2019 Downtown New Jersey Policy Watch – February 2019
    February 12, 2019 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking judicial and legislative issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues.
  • 2019 Jersey City’s Long History with SIDs
    January 22, 2019 - Jersey City, the second largest municipality in the State, is lucky enough to have six SIDs! Jersey City is a collection of multiple neighborhoods with its respective ‘main street’. Each SID board and management team provides various activities to support the businesses and surrounding neighborhoods, respective of the culture and community.
  • 2019 Have You Met Newark?
    January 8, 2019 - Have You Met Newark Tours is a tourism company run by Emily Manz, owner of consulting firm EMI Strategy. For the past six years they have run a variety of tours – neighborhood walking tours, food tours, corporate orientation tours, and bus tours, and of course, the Annual Holiday Shop Hop.
2018
  • 2018 Annual Downtown NJ Conference Focused on Adapting to Change
    November 2, 2018 - Downtown New Jersey’s annual conference and New Jersey’s premiere economic development event hosted industry experts who provide insights into downtown management best practices, as well as development, business and retail market trends.
  • 2018 New Jersey’s Earned Sick and Safe Days Act
    October 18, 2018 - The Earned Sick and Safe Days Act, signed by Governor Murphy on May 2, 2018, takes effect on October 29, 2018. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently released the mandatory notice that must be posted and distributed to all New Jersey employees under the Act.
  • 2018 DNJ Testifies in Favor of Historic Tax Credits
    Oct. 18, 2018 - DNJ expresses its support for S1740 & 2031, the Historic Property Reinvestment Act.
  • 2018 2018 Downtown Excellence Awards Announced
    November 2, 2018 - Downtown New Jersey (DNJ) celebrated initiatives that have made a major or sustained impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey at an awards ceremony during its annual Downtown Conference at New Jersey City University School of Business on the Jersey City waterfront.
  • 2018 The “Bloom” is on the Rise in Bloomfield
    September 26, 2018 - Bloomfield’s downtown is currently experiencing an exciting revitalization generating some buzz in various circles. Also known as Bloomfield Center, new residents, motivated entrepreneurs, and visionary investors are beginning to recognize the area’s potential growth and great promise.
  • 2018 Municipal Ordinances: Is Your Town Open for Business?
    September 26, 2018 - South Orange Village Center Alliance Executive Director and Downtown New Jersey Vice-President, Bob Zuckerman shares his advice on updating municipal ordinances to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
  • 2018 Reducing Barriers to Economic Development
    September 14, 2018 - More than 20 downtown managers, economic development directors and public officials gathered at round table discussion in Fanwood on September 12th to exchange ideas about hot topics in downtown economic development.
  • 2018 Downtown New Jersey POLICY WATCH – September 2018
    Sept. 25, 2018 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking judicial and legislative issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues.
  • 2018 Connection Fee Credits
    August 18, 2018 - On August 10, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a bill establishing a “credit” system to aid redevelopment efforts while ensuring that municipal authorities are equitably compensated for connecting into their system.
  • 2018 New Brunswick City Center: Suburban Sophistication
    June 19, 2018 - Nestled along the Raritan River, New Brunswick City Center is lively, contemporary, and close to all Middlesex County has to offer. If you’re seeking it, it’s here and it’s within walking distance: first-class nightlife, acclaimed restaurants, Big Ten sports, abundant parks and recreation areas, an inspiring riverfront, and a rich arts and culture scene.
  • 2018 When Public-Private Partnerships Come Together, Everyone Wins
    June 19, 2017 - The Journal Square SID leveraged a public-private partnership to rapidly produce an event series in the summer of 2017. Gain insights on how your SID can form partnerships to create successful projects.
  • 2018 Legalization of Marijuana
    June 19, 2018 - For the past several years, the question of whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults has been a hotly debated topic across the country. What considerations should municipalities take into account when deciding whether to allow dispensaries, growers, wholesalers and/or processors to operate within their jurisdictions?
  • 2018 Downtown New Jersey Policy Watch – June 2018
    June 13, 2018 - Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking judicial and legislative issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues. Since our last Policy Watch, there has been movement on a few bills impacting downtowns.
  • 2018 NJ Rule Change Simplifies Administrative Tasks of SIDs
    In December, the NJ Department of Community Affairs adopted amendments to the Local Government Ethics Law (N.J.A.C. 5:35-2.1) removing SID directors and members from the definition of “managerial executive employees”; which means they no longer have to file financial disclosure statements, and thus simplifying the process for members, administrators, and municipal Clerks.
  • 2018 Perth Amboy March 2018
    March 27, 2018: Perth Amboy is known as a friendly and welcoming city by its longtime and new residents, local businesses and the thousands of guests who visit annually. By blending together a range of cultures, traditions and backgrounds, Perth Amboy has created a vibrant, diverse and exciting downtown.
  • 2018 Autonomous Vehicles are Coming to Your Downtown
    March 27, 2018: The introduction of AVs will have a tremendous impact on land use in our towns and cities. Downtown managers, mayors, and planners should be thinking about how the investments and policies they are considering today will be affected by this looming shift in mobility.
  • 2018 NJNext.com Is a Publication Made for Downtown Districts
    March 27, 2018: NJNext.com, a new New Jersey-based and focused digital publication, is working to connect NJ arts and cultural institutions, businesses, events — and downtown districts — to state-wide and regional audiences.
  • 2018 DNJ Policy Watch – March 2018
    March 27, 2018: NJ is in a new Legislative Session, with a new Gubernatorial Administration - so a flurry of new and rehashed legislation was posted after the New Year. Here is some of the legislation we’ve been watching that could impact downtowns.
  • 2018 DNJ welcomes Courtenay Mercer as its new Executive Director
    March 27, 2018: Courtenay Mercer joined Downtown New Jersey as its Executive Director at the start of 2018. The DNJ Board looks forward to working with this seasoned professional to help continue our efforts in promoting downtowns in NJ, and expanding services to our members.
  • 2018 DNJ MAKES POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNOR MURPHY
    Feb. 5, 2018: In a memo that was issued to Murphy’s transition team last month, DNJ provided the new administration with insights into legislative, regulatory, and administrative initiatives that impact the state’s downtown commercial districts.
20172016
  • 2016 Opportunity To Comment
    The Division of Local Government Services within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has proposed a new rule (N.J.A.C. 5:35-2.1), intended to clarify the...