Planning Support for New Jersey’s Downtowns: Emerging Centers Grant Now Open for Applications
By: North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) is accepting applications for its Planning for Emerging Centers Program, which helps municipalities advance plans for walkable, transit-supportive, and economically vibrant communities. The deadline to apply is June 19, 2025.
Downtown communities across North Jersey have a unique opportunity to shape their future through the NJTPA’s FY2025 Planning for Emerging Centers (PEC) Program. Now accepting applications through June 19, this technical assistance grant helps municipalities plan for sustainable growth, improve transit and pedestrian access, and address evolving housing and economic needs.
The PEC Program is designed to help local governments develop strategies and regulatory updates that respond to demographic shifts, climate change, transportation demands, and redevelopment opportunities. By linking land use planning with mobility enhancements, the program helps create walkable, mixed-use centers that meet the needs of current and future residents.
What Does the Grant Support?
Municipalities selected for the PEC Program receive consultant support that is funded and managed by NJTPA. This can be used to carry out planning studies focused on:
- Housing and land use updates that support transit and economic development
- Improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access
- Adoption and implementation of Complete and Green Streets policies
- Master Plan updates, especially for transportation and resilience planning
- Studies that lay the groundwork for Transit Village designation or other state initiatives
The PEC Program aligns with NJTPA’s long-range vision, Plan 2050: Transportation. People. Opportunity., and complements initiatives like the Transit Friendly Planning Program and NJDOT’s Transit Village Program. Past PEC-funded studies have included Boonton’s Transit Village Initiative, Harrison’s Complete Streets Policy and Implementation Plan, and the Raritan Sustainable Economic Development Plan. These studies have helped municipalities secure additional funding, update zoning ordinances, and prioritize infrastructure investments.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to municipalities within NJTPA’s 13-county region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren). Applications from groups of municipalities are welcome, and all applicants must secure a letter of support from their county. Municipalities that have previously participated in the program are not eligible.
Application Process
There is no financial match required, but selected municipalities must commit in-kind staff time to support the project. The studies are anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and conclude by June 2027. NJTPA will manage the consultant team and contracting, while municipalities will lead local outreach and data collection.
Interested applicants should:
- Schedule a pre-application meeting (optional) with NJTPA staff
- Submit a proposal (max two pages) describing the study area, goals, and prior planning work
- Include a stakeholder list, county letter of support, and supporting documents such as maps or previous studies
Applications must be submitted via email to Peter Bilton, NJTPA’s Manager of Sustainable Transportation Planning, at pbilton@njtpa.org no later than 2:00 p.m. on June 19, 2025.
For more information, visit the program page at: https://www.njtpa.org/PEC.aspx
To learn more about NJTPA’s regional planning efforts, explore Plan 2050 and related initiatives at https://www.njtpa.org.
ABOUT NJTPA
The NJTPA is the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization for the 13-county northern New Jersey region. We partner with local and state agencies to help fund more than $3 billion in transportation investments annually and provide a forum for interagency cooperation and public input.
