Economy

"The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature — passing the General Assembly by a 63–10 vote and the Senate by a 35–4 margin — an uncommon show of unity in today’s political climate."

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a plan to raise the fee homeowners must pay to challenge their property tax assessments with county tax boards. The filing fees haven’t been updated in decades, and under the legislation the cost to appeal could go up by roughly $50 for many residents.

"This blog breaks down what changed, what didn’t, and why it matters for a faster and more efficient distribution of lead pipe funding nationwide."

Where NJDOT spent its biggest dollars in 2025: • 60% bridges • 25% roads • 10% traffic systems • 6% climate resilience A breakdown of the state’s 10 largest transportation projects.

Transportation costs rising in 2026: New Jersey tolls, transit fares and bike share rates are increasing for drivers, riders and cyclists alike. Plan ahead for higher costs on toll roads and bike-share trips.

“When union labor leads, everyone succeeds. If New Jersey is serious about lowering energy bills and meeting skyrocketing demand, we must start building energy here, and we must start now,” said Greg Lalavee, Business Manager of Operating Engineers Local 825. “Through Climate Jobs New Jersey, we are laying out a simple plan: build energy here, store it here, and put New Jersey back in charge of its own energy future.”

NJEDA and CoreWeave have launched a $20M NJ AI Hub Fund to support AI startups tied to the NJ AI Hub and boost innovation and job growth statewide. 

PSEG steps up to power the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York-New Jersey. The World Cup is expected to place unprecedented demand on infrastructure. Reliable electricity will help keep the world’s biggest soccer tournament running smoothly.

Hopewell Borough has signed a $6.4 million agreement to sell its municipal water system to New Jersey American Water. New Jersey American Water plans to invest roughly $7 million in system improvements over the first five years, including infrastructure upgrades and service reliability enhancements.

A 34-story tower is set to replace a Jersey City parking lot with 360 apartments, including 90 affordable units. Another major step forward for transit-oriented growth in Journal Square.

A deep dive (pun intended) into AI water use

"The debate mirrored a broader balancing act playing out across the country between the promise of AI-fueled development with the great costs to water and energy."

"The sudden removal of federal tax credits led to a cratering of U.S. electric vehicle sales. But the future is brighter than you may expect."

Crews enter the 115-year-old Hudson River tunnels every night to keep 450 trains and 200,000 riders moving. Until the new Gateway tunnels open, this link between NJ and Manhattan depends on constant repair.

This reconsideration highlights the tension between ambitious climate goals and practical implementation, with California’s decision likely to influence national and global EV policy discussions.

"On a national level, tariffs, or the uncertainty around them, proved difficult for some. And on a statewide front, rampant energy cost increases also served as a strong and largely unexpected deterrent to profits."