News
Sommer & Soliman On BINJE’s Power Players List
Business in New Jersey Everyday (BINJE) honored CEOs and executive directors, managing partners and principals – those who are in charge in every sector in every corner of the state. Two Bloustein School affiliates made the list for 2026
These towns have highest average property tax in Bergen, Passaic
Many towns with higher property taxes lack other revenue sources, such as businesses or corporate headquarters, said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, who studies local government in New Jersey.
The Paperwork Reduction Act Doesn’t Reduce Paperwork
In the 30 years since the last revision of the PRA, it has arguably failed to reduce burden (indeed, burden has increased in that time!). The PRA’s failure in turn threatens the success of the government initiatives subjected to the process.
New CUPR Report: Modern Rate Design in the Northeast
With many competing policy priorities, evolution of technology, and affordability concerns, now is the time for regulators and utilities to modernize rates and ensure customers’ bills reflect the true costs of the energy system and provide incentives to lower consumption as well as reduce peak demand
North Jersey inflation rose 3.4% in 2025. How it compares to nation
“Things are definitely cooling,” said Will Irving, a professor at the New Jersey State Policy Lab at Rutgers University.
“A lot of tariff uncertainty likely contributed to slow hiring in 2025 even as the lower-than-originally-announced tariff levels took less of a bite out of economic growth than many expected,” he said.
Alums Contribute to DEP’s Brownfield Success StoryMap
Bloustein School Alums Josephine (O’Grady) Michener (MPP ’25) and Doug Leung (MCRP ’24) worked with New Jersey Department of DEP staff on a ARCGIS StoryMap highlighting key programs including the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund Program, Brownfield Development Area Program, and Landfill Development Program.
Marc Pfeiffer to Chair Jersey City’s Budget Advisory Committee
In a recent press release from Mayor-Elect James Solomon of Jersey City, Marc Pfeiffer, Senior Policy Fellow and Assistant Director of CUPR, was listed as the Chair of the Budget Advisory Committee.
Heldrich Center: New Multi-State Teacher Workforce Report
The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development has announced the release of a new Multi-State Teacher Workforce Report, designed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven view of the educator pipeline from preparation and certification to placement, retention, and mobility
Jeremy Zorek (PPP ’25) Bids MetroCard Farewell (NYT)
Bloustein School alum Jeremy Zorek (PPP’25) was recently featured in the New York Times as part of a transit challenge to ride every system that still accepts the MetroCard before the iconic fare card fades into history.
Trump Plans to Ban Big Investors From Buying Houses. Will That Lower Prices?
The largest corporate owners are at saturation,” says Eric Seymour, a Rutgers associate professor who studies private equity in the housing market. “Some of the largest actors, like Invitation Homes and Blackstone, grew to scale in the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis when they are able to buy large numbers of homes at low costs. That window has closed.”
VTC and CUPR Compile NJ Infrastructure Needs Assessment
With the release of New Jersey’s preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan, researchers from CUPR and VTC updated the state’s long-required Infrastructure Needs Assessment. The assessment examines long-term infrastructure needs across sectors like water, transportation, flood protection, and more, drawing on federal, state, and local data. Its goal is to support smarter, coordinated, and long-term capital planning that protects public health, safety, and supports sustainable development statewide.
Should You Pay for Help With Your Job Search?
Carl Van Horn, a Rutgers University professor of public policy specializing in the American labor market, advises older job seekers to steer clear of paid services. “I would say to rely upon friends and colleagues and associates that you’ve known over the years,” he says.