The Center of it All | Summer 2024 | DowntownNJ.com

Princeton: An Iconic Town Building a Bright Future for Businesses, Residents, and Visitors


Princeton has a globally recognized brand with over 1.2 million visitors each year, thanks to the presence of Princeton University and numerous other educational institutions. Of total jobs in Princeton 51% are education related. Princeton also has a well-deserved reputation as being a center for the arts with numerous theaters, the dynamic and active Arts Council of Princeton with a year-round schedule of public programs and classes, and the Princeton University Art Museum that will be reopened in 2026 following an over $100 million expansion. MORE>

Technology Platforms: Should you fall for the hype/buzz and how do you pick?

There’s an overwhelming amount of technology options out there these days. At any given moment, you can pick from products that are packed with buzzwords like “AI”, “Geofencing”, “Location Based Recommendations”, “Superman powered Augmented Reality”. Okay that last one is made up, but how do you sift through the noise? More importantly, how do you choose one without turning the process into a job itself? MORE>

Catch the Energy in West Orange, NJ: A Cinematic Renaissance in the Birthplace of the Modern Film Industry


In a groundbreaking decision set to rejuvenate West Orange, NJ, the Township Council has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art film studio, marking one of the most momentous real estate transactions in recent years. This development promises to transform West Orange into a hub of cinematic activity, reconnecting the town with its illustrious heritage as the birthplace of modern film. MORE>

4th Round Affordable Housing and What It Means to Your Downtown

Earlier this year, the legislature adopted a series of bills targeted at increasing housing affordability. The main bill, A4/S50, attempts to streamline a process to use for the fourth round of municipal affordable housing obligations.  Contrary to the third round, which was weighed down by countless lawsuits between the public and private sectors, this bill encourages municipal compliance through municipal action. MORE>

New Jersey DEP Proposes Sweeping Climate Change Rule to Protect Against Future Flood Risks

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has officially proposed the Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) Rule, as published in the New Jersey Register on August 5, 2024. This ambitious regulatory overhaul aims to mitigate the escalating risks posed by climate change, particularly in coastal and flood-prone areas across the state. MORE>

Financial Disclosure Statements Are Not Required For S.I.D. Board Members Or Officers


The purpose of this article is to provide clarity on the application of the financial disclosure requirements of the Local Government Ethics Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.1 (the “LGEL”), and its implementing regulations, to officials, including the executive director/director, and board members serving a Special Improvement District (“SID”). MORE>

DNJ Welcomes New Executive Director


Downtown New Jersey (DNJ), the leading membership organization dedicated to the revitalization and sustainability of downtowns across the Garden State, recently announced the appointment of Natalie Pineiro as its new Executive Director. Pineiro, who succeeds Courtenay Mercer of Mercer Planning Associates, brings a wealth of experience in strategic communication, community development, and downtown management to the role. MORE>

Save the Date!


The 2024 DNJ Conference will be held on Dec. 5, 2024 at the Mezzanine in Montclair! Register and get more info on support and sponsorship at DNJConference.com

Each year Downtown New Jersey recognizes New Jersey’s best downtown projects, programs, and leaders. We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 awards. Winners will be recognized at an in-person luncheon ceremony at the Downtown NJ Conference on December 5th. Click here to nominate a project today!

Sept. 11 - 13: International Downtown Association (Seattle, Washington)


Sept. 17 - 18: Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development

DNJ's President Vanessa Quijano, will be speaking on "Economic Renaissance: The Power of Mixed Use Development", September 17th at 4:00PM


Nov. 19 - 21: New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference

Check out DNJ's session “New Jersey Resources to Support Your Commercial Districts”, and visit us at Booth#: 611 at the League.

Elevating Downtown Experiences


Tailored for downtown project managers, brand enthusiasts, and retail leaders, this forum dove into the art of Downtown Marketing/Promotion and Storefront Facade Amplification aiming to transform downtowns and urban spaces into vibrant hubs of consumer allure. PPT & RECORDING>

People, Parking, and Planning:

Placing People Above Parking

DNJ, NJTOD.org, & NJ TRANSIT's Transit Friendly Planning hosted a discussion about the intricacies of parking in commercial districts and new residential projects, and the effects of the antiquated parking standards. RECAP & RECORDING>

Retail and Redevelopment: Attract and Retain Local Businesses in Your Downtown

DNJ, NJTOD.org, and NJ TRANSIT’s Transit Friendly Planning brought together a panel of experts from public and private entities to discuss their experiences in attracting and retaining local businesses in downtowns across New Jersey. RECAP, PPT, & RECORDING>

Help us help you!


Our ability to continue to advocate for New Jersey’s downtowns during these especially challenging times depends on member support. We hope you will consider joining today! JOIN DNJ>

Downtown New Jersey is an organization of individuals, businesses, government agencies, and local and regional organizations that are passionate about downtowns. Downtowns reflect our communities’ unique identities, provide a focal point, a convenient local place of commerce, and offer a sense of place where people can gather and truly be community. Downtown New Jersey is a resource dedicated to ensuring the vitality of our downtowns. Count on us as your resource for anything regarding downtowns in New Jersey.

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