Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced on Apr. 30 that applications are now open for the pilot phase of New Jersey’s new online Permitting Dashboard, which is designed to help developers, businesses, and nonprofits track permit applications across state agencies.
The initiative aims to make it easier and faster to build in New Jersey by streamlining the permitting process. The dashboard will allow selected projects to monitor their permits in one place, potentially reducing delays and costs associated with cross-agency coordination.
During the pilot, up to ten energy, commercial, or multi-family housing projects that have recently submitted or are about to submit permit applications to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Transportation (DOT), or Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will be randomly chosen. These projects will use the dashboard to follow their application progress. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 21.
“On Day One, I committed to cutting permitting times and delivering real accountability to make it easier and faster to build in New Jersey,” Sherrill said. “This is a critical step toward a more streamlined system, saving New Jerseyans time and money and making it easier to build more housing, open businesses, and deliver critical infrastructure across our state. That will drive affordability, job creation, economic growth, and opportunities for New Jersey families.” Kellie Doucette, chief operating officer for the state government said: “It will allow businesses and developers to see exactly where their permits stand will help reduce delays and costs…” Acting DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak added: “The permitting dashboard will build on that progress and will later help accelerate the development of critical energy infrastructure – speeding up power generation while supporting cleaner air, water, and a healthier environment for the long term.”
Powered by the New Jersey Innovation Authority alongside various state agencies involved in permitting processes such as DEP, DCA, DOT as well as NJIA—the full version of this dashboard is expected eventually to enable both applicants and members of the public alike access status updates on permits through one website featuring target due dates along with next steps outlined clearly.
As part of its first hundred days’ efforts towards reforming government transparency around permitting procedures statewide—Sherrill’s administration has established a cross-agency Permitting Governing Council; completed detailed permit catalogs under Executive Order 5; proposed budget increases aimed at expanding agency capacity; gathered feedback from over three hundred fifty business community members during ongoing countywide outreach events.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors according to its official website. It advances competitive excellence while delivering essential information—and facilitates partnerships among businesses—government entities—and academic institutions according to its official website. Michele Siekerka serves as president & CEO according to its official website.