Research.
Data Analysis.
Policy Solutions.
Garden State Initiative strengthens New Jersey by promoting solutions that promote new investment, the growth of jobs, the creation of economic opportunities, and innovation to the benefit of all New Jerseyans.
Our Focus
Between the Lines:
NJ State Budget Annual “Extras”
Learn more about the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars within the NJ state budget awarded to local governments and nonprofit organizations without any public process or merit-based criteria.
Recent Appearances and Video
Latest Work
A September Bounce Back for New Jersey’s Labor Market
Unemployment rate down to 4.2%–matching the nation for the first time in nearly 4 years. Gain of 14,900 jobs reverses much of the June-July plunge,…
Q2 New Jersey GDP Trails Nation, but Income was Stronger
GDP growth gap of .5 percentage points in line with long-term trend. Personal income performance one of the best in the nation. 2025 household spending…
New Jersey Loses Jobs for a Third Straight Month
New Jersey lost jobs for a third straight month: Total payroll employment declined by 1,700 in August, following July’s revised loss of 20,900 jobs and…
The Governor Thomas Kean Leadership Award
The Governor Thomas Kean Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have best displayed the principled, inclusive, and collaborative characteristics which Governor Kean displayed throughout his life and work.
