This report was developed for the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness (NJCEH) as part of a Rutgers University — New Brunswick Master of Public Policy Practicum to examine how New Jersey compares to selected peer states in allocating and structuring state funding for homeless services, responding to federal funding changes, and addressing issues related to the criminalization of homelessness.
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News
Hetling, Yeo, & McFarland Research Easing Administrative Burden in the Public Safety Net
A study by Rutgers researchers Andrea Hetling, Vee Yeo, and Lillian McFarland found that trauma-informed approaches, strong case management, peer support, and flexible services can make public safety net programs more accessible and effective for survivors.
NJSPL: Are Data Centers Raising Your Electric Bill? Mostly Not. Yet.
For now, the evidence suggests that data centers haven’t yet produced large, detectable increases in local electricity bills, but “not yet” is not the same as “nothing to worry about.” New Jersey has the time and opportunity to design rules that protect ratepayers before the next wave of electricity demand arrives at full scale.
New VTC Report: Improving Virtual Public Involvement in Transportation Agencies
NCHRP Research Report 1178: Improving Virtual Public Involvement in Transportation Agencies, produced by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents key principles and practical tips for VPI use by both beginning and experienced public involvement practitioners, project managers, and other professionals.
Samuel Co-Authors Editorial on the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
What truly defines this era is the fundamental shift in how these systems have transitioned from calculators of language to actors of intent. We have reached an inflection point with the emergence of agentic AI (AAI) built on fundamental and generative AI building blocks.
Payne Serves as Guest Editor for Special Edition of Cartographic Perspectives Journal
In the papers gathered here, we aim to showcase experiments in spatial representation beyond place markers and polygons on maps, from demos of new tools and historical reclamations of pre-GIS representation techniques, to theoretical engagement with the ontology of mapping and representation itself.
What Do People Think of E-bikes? A Closer Look by Younes and Xie
Sixty-four percent (64%) of respondents from a recent survey on e-bike use and perception agreed that the government should do more to support e-bike use. Researchers conducted this survey (N=998) in Fall 2025 to adult, non-users of e-bikes in the U.S. Over 70% of the respondents were from NJ, with a smaller percentage from surrounding states, and 443 were non-owners.
New NJSDS Report: Noncredit Education in New Jersey
As more adults pursue nondegree pathways for skill development and career advancement, and with the enactment of Workforce Pell in July 2025, which authorizes Pell Grants for training programs as short as 150 hours or eight weeks, the need for clear definitions and reliable data on noncredit education has become increasingly important. Establishing a standardized system will be key to turning these data into actionable information that helps New Jersey maximize the benefits of Workforce Pell.
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Margo Chaly
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the future of higher education in New Jersey. They discuss key challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities, including enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success.
NJSPL Report: Reducing Opioid Overdose Risk in New Jersey
Researchers found that incidents of NJ Medicaid beneficiaries who received buprenorphine immediately and/or shortly after an opioid-related emergency department visit increased from 4.0% in 2018 to 14.4% in 2022. The team also conducted a series of interviews with medical professionals and discussed the challenges to buprenorphine provision, including patient resistance, insurance and pharmacy obstacles, and limited training and stigmatization.