Potential Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol: What It Could Mean for Downtowns and Commercial Districts
On January 3, 2025, U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory recommending that alcoholic beverages carry warning labels.
Advocacy
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.The New Jersey Legislature maintains an active web-based archive of statutes, pending legislation, and legislators. Click the appropriate link below to take you to the information area you need.Is there an issue you on which think Downtown New Jersey should be advocating? Please let us know.
Policy Watch
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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 4th round of municipal affordable housing obligations.
NJDEP Proposes Sweeping Climate Change Rule
NJDEP has officially proposed the Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) Resilient Environments & Landscapes (REAL) Rule.
Financial Disclosure Statements are not Required for SID 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.
Redevelopment Matters: NJ Supreme Court Decision Signals Shift in Redevelopment Law
The NJ Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in Malanga v. Township of West Orange, signaling a significant shift in the court’s approach to reviewing municipal determinations of “blight” under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.
The State Plan is Being Revised: What It Means & How to Get Involved
Your downtown can comment on the State Plan update, which will guide NJ’s municipalities and counties to foster prosperity by enhancing economic, place, social, and civic value.
Compromise Law is Not a Win for Liquor License Reform
January 8, 2024 – NJ liquor license “reform” bill addresses the arcane restrictions on NJ’s craft producers, but still leaves our small-business, restaurateurs thirsting for more.
Reform on the Rocks: NJ’s Struggle with Liquor Licenses
June 23, 2023 – We hosted a session at the NJ Planning and Redevelopment Conference talking about liquor license reform.
DNJ Testifies before Assembly Committee about Liquor License Reform Reform
May 24, 2023 – Downtown New Jersey testified before the NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Regulations Committee to express their support for comprehensive liquor license reform.
Liquor License Reform
May 9, 2023 – The NJ Liquor License Reform Alliance held a discussion about needed reform to support our small businesses and downtowns. Afterwards, we enjoyed happy hour networking.
Liquor License Reform Alliance
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!
The Cannabis Industry and Municipal Planning
Cannabis can be a complex issue for municipalities to navigate without special guidance. Balancing both the real and perceived concerns of our residents with zoning regulations that are responsive to the desires of the business community and advocates is the work of planners.
What DEP’s Climate Rules Mean to Downtowns
The New Jersey Builders Association shares information about how NJDEP’s “Protecting Against Climate Threats” (PACT) regulations could affect revitalization in your downtown.
Oppressive Regulations are Limiting NJ’s Brewery Boom
Craft brewing and distilling is a developing industry in the Garden State. But while New Jersey passed legislation in 2012 to allow tasting rooms, the restrictive nature of New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) rules is hampering expansive growth.