"This economic plan follows the initiatives outlined by Gov. Corzine for the State of New Jersey and will continue to demonstrate that economic development and environmental protection can coexist in the Meadowlands," says NJMC chairwoman Susan Bass Levin, who's also the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner. "This region is expecting a 70% increase in jobs over the next 15 years and billions of dollars in annual wealth as a result. In the face of so much change, the region must be proactive in shaping its own economic destiny."
The NJMC's 2007 Economic Growth Plan focuses on five specific recommendations: coordinating and unifying the region's message for economic growth; developing and preparing the workforce for a growing number of jobs; maintaining, developing and upgrading the infrastructure; targeting specific sectors for future economic growth; and increasing overall efficiency within the Meadowlands District. To implement these initiatives over the next year, the plan recommends establishing an Office of Economic Growth at the NJMC.
In addition to the new office, the report outlines activities the state agency should take in promoting economic growth, including establishing a hotline for businesses seeking information on land use regulations, infrastructure and business assistance programs. It also recommends that the NJMC work with the state's Office of Smart Growth relating to the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan. More aggressive policies regarding waste disposal and renewable energy are also recommended.
The plan also calls for the NJMC to establish a business incubator geared toward small, local businesses owned by women and minorities. The NJMC has signed an agreement to create the Meadowlands Workforce Development Consortium, which will include the NJMC, the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Investment Boards of Hudson and Bergen counties, Bergen County Community College, Hudson County Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
"The recommendations outlined in the plan open the door for better coordination of our activities, as well as our outreach to our district municipalities," says NJMC executive director Bob Ceberio. "We have a vast number of resources and must work together to provide efficient and responsive services for our businesses and residents."
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