A new executive order seeks to streamline approvals that business and housing advocates say drive up costs.

Leadership Now Project welcomes Governor Sherrill’s Executive Order to streamline and expedite permitting as a meaningful step toward strengthening New Jersey’s economic competitiveness and delivering on the affordability agenda voters supported last November. Persistent permitting delays raise costs, slow investment, and make it harder for the state to build the housing and infrastructure its economy needs. Executive Order No. 5 will help address those challenges by increasing transparency, reducing unnecessary red tape and establishing a focused team to streamline approvals.

“Permitting delays function as a hidden tax on housing and economic growth,” said Kush Saxena, fintech investor and Leadership Now member in New Jersey. “This order is about making government work better so projects that strengthen New Jersey’s economy can move forward with greater certainty and lower cost.”

By improving the efficiency and accountability of the permitting process, New Jersey can lower costs, accelerate construction, and better position itself to attract investment and grow its workforce. Leadership Now Project CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares emphasized that the order fits squarely within the organization’s broader policy priorities. “This executive order aligns with Leadership Now’s housing and affordability agenda and our broader work to strengthen New Jersey’s competitiveness,” she said. “A faster, more transparent permitting system is essential to increasing housing and energy supply, improving affordability, and keeping New Jersey competitive.”