A New Urban Economic Agenda
New Jersey is on the cusp of a historic opportunity: for the first time since World War II, our state is urbanizing. Yet under Governor Christie, New Jersey continues to stagnate while in Washington, the president threatens American values and global stability.
But I remain an optimist.
As I campaign for governor, I see enormous opportunity in our state’s cities. These areas host close communities, incredible institutions, and emerging entrepreneurs. They embody the history, diversity, and ambition that define New Jersey. And their location is envied by the rest of the country.
While I am passionate about our cities’ potential, I am aware of the enormous challenges we face in creating a new economy that is not only growing, but fair and just for everyone, especially for communities that have been left behind for far too long. If elected, I will advance an urban revitalization agenda that puts our state on a path to creating jobs and raising wages.
There is no magic trick that will grow our urban areas, but we can start by ditching what does not work. We can give up on unsustainable pay, crumbling infrastructure, and disconnected schools. We can end wasteful corporate subsidies and close down private prisons. And we must put an end to political insiders’ ineffective schemes and special interests.
Instead, let’s move forward and reclaim New Jersey’s place as a progressive icon. Let’s invest in our infrastructure and ensure that everyone can access meaningful educations and jobs. Let’s reignite our state’s research and innovation centers, restoring New Jersey’s historic role as the home of technological advances that change the world. And we won’t stop at creating jobs. Our jobs must pay wages that lift workers out of poverty and allow them to become full participants in our economy, to enter the middle class. As Governor, I will push for a $15 minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, and champion equal pay laws.
Urban revitalization is not just about roads and bridges. It is about building communities where our children can grow and thrive. This starts with investing in our public education system — from preschool to college — so our children can succeed in a 21st century economy. It means building a robust STEM pipeline and ensuring that cost won’t be a barrier for anyone who wants to pursue an advanced degree. It means expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programs so there are multiple pathways to success. It also means putting an end to the punitive policies that have held back communities of color, starting with making overdue changes to our criminal justice system so men of color can finally have a real shot at upward mobility.
As Governor, I will help cities tackle the foreclosure crisis and build affordable housing. And I will create a public bank to bring our money back into our communities and spur local economic development.
Strong cities are the backbone of our state’s economy. Once, New Jersey’s urban areas led the nation in technology, transportation and culture. But under poor leadership, the state has surrendered to its challenges and ignored its constituents. That has to end and, under my leadership, it will.
From the start, I have pledged to be the governor that has your back, and I will continue to run my campaign on solutions. Despite the difficult work ahead, I remain optimistic and excited for our state. Together, we will rebuild New Jersey and invest in a better future for our communities.
