“There is no magical, painless way of making the state more affordable,” he said. “It took us decades and decades to get us into the position we’re in, and it’s going to take a long time to change things.”
Topic
economy
Route 66 Studies Authored by David Listokin Highlighted in New Report
“The Byways Report” highlights an array of technical resources that can help states, regions and towns leverage route-based tourism as part of their efforts to build rural prosperity. David Listokin’s Route 66 studies are referenced in the report.
Why this political deal between 2 governors matters for millions of New Jersey and New York commuters
“I think the governor is doing the right thing by having a deputy executive director who should be at the table,” Hughes said of Sherrill.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill criticizes Trump over the possible suspension of the Hudson River rail tunnel project
“The Northeast region’s economy is really dependent on the Northeast corridor, particularly linking Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston,” Hughes said. “Once you stop a project it’s very difficult to start again.”
NJ’s employment, economic numbers look bad. Can Sherrill fix that?
“I would not be surprised to see other states start to experience rapid increases as employment growth nationally continues to slow and/or decline,” Irving said in an email.
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.
NJ unemployment rate hits 4-year high amid cooling job market
“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.
New Jersey’s business outlook for 2026: What you need to know
“New Jersey has a tough road ahead of it,” Hughes said. “It took a long time for us to move into that negative business position, so I think the road out is going to be long as well.”
Stagnating national jobs market raises economic concerns
Irving said he’ll be tracking jobs numbers closely in coming months. New Jersey’s unemployment rate is 5.2% — that’s higher than the national rate — and Irving noted the state has in recent years been a bellwether for what is coming to the rest of America.
NJ Job Losses Reach 16K For 2025; What Does 2026 Hold?
“We may start seeing signs of a recession, but that doesn’t mean we’re in a recession,” he told NJ101.5. “The economy is constantly flowing, changing. I don’t see us at the moment being in recession. But there clearly is potential for that.”