Between October 7 and November 14, 2024, the New Jersey State Policy Lab conducted a survey to identify emerging issues and policy priorities in New Jersey. The survey's goal was to guide the Policy Lab’s strategic research planning by delivering evidence-based policy research that addresses the needs of New Jersey communities.
The survey was administered online through email invitations sent to key stakeholders of the Policy Lab. It was also available on the Policy Lab’s website and social media channels. Participants were asked to select top priorities from a list of policy issues in New Jersey through multiple-choice questions, with an open-ended question for additional thoughts. Participation was anonymous.
The survey presented 23 policy issues for consideration. Housing emerged as the top concern, with more than half of respondents identifying it as a priority for New Jersey. Other significant issues included cost of living/inflation, environment and climate, and healthcare access and affordability. In contrast, topics like workforce development, parks and recreation, drug addiction and treatment, cybersecurity, immigration, and unemployment received less attention.
Over half of the government-employed respondents agreed that environment and climate along with housing were their top priorities. Among eight elected representatives surveyed, six selected taxes and public finance as their primary concern.
Respondents also highlighted other important priorities such as land use planning, infrastructure and utilities, transportation, healthcare challenges, economics issues related to environmental concerns. Some mentioned declining fertility rate diversity in law enforcement LGBTQIA+ rights.
A total of 129 individuals responded to the survey; most were employed (90%), while others were unemployed or self-employed/business owners. Of those employed: 48% worked at colleges/universities; 33% by government agencies; smaller percentages at non-profit organizations or for-profit companies; eight served as elected representatives/officials; some identified as mayors family business/farm owners K-12 school staff freelancers Over 94% held bachelor’s degree/higher more than two-thirds earned graduate/professional degrees
Most respondents were middle-aged (41% aged between 45-64), over one-third aged between 25-44 years old Females comprised majority participants while racial ethnic minorities included Black/African American Asian Hispanic/Latino Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Middle Eastern/North African groups
