Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically disrupted K–12 education. School staff across the country were faced with the unprecedented task of delivering high-quality instruction amidst a global health crisis. In New Jersey, approximately 15% of K–12 public schools managed to improve proficiency rates in math and/or English language arts (ELA) on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment […]

New Jersey’s state higher education plan, “Where Opportunity Meets Innovation – A Student-Centered Vision for New Jersey Higher Education” (the Plan), was introduced in 2019. It envisions an ecosystem where every resident can attain high-quality credentials regardless of their circumstances. This report aims to assess how New Jersey has progressed toward the goals of this […]

In partnership with the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration launched an innovative initiative to transform mental health and addiction treatment services for people involved in the justice system in New Jersey. Using the Appreciative Inquiry methodology and the SOAR framework (Strengths, […]

R/ECON’s economic forecast for New Jersey as 2024 drew to a close once again shows a slowing trajectory, with annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2025 projected to slow more sharply than in the prior forecast.

The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers-Camden (WRI) exists to conduct community-focused research that connects to the public policy and practice issues of the day in Southern New Jersey. Public transportation access continues to be a challenge and an issue of concern for residents across the Southern New Jersey region, including Camden […]

This research project investigated the effectiveness of low- and moderate-income (LMI) community solar programs in New Jersey, where we focused on their role in promoting energy justice in under-resourced communities. The research team recruited 158 participants from low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in open discussions to elaborate on their experiences with renewable energy adoption and community […]

By Elisabeth Kim, Ph.D., Bernie Lombardi, Ph.D., and Robyn Ince, Ed.M. The New Jersey State Policy Lab, in collaboration with the Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC), is releasing a report that examines barriers and opportunities to reengaging COVID-disconnected college students [...]

The widespread adoption of hybrid work models and the emergence of new information technology solutions are emphasizing the need for individuals to develop internet skills to effectively participate in an increasingly digitalized world.

R/ECON’s economic forecast for New Jersey as of June 2024 continues to show a slowing trajectory, though the decline in annual GDP growth is not as pronounced as in the prior forecast. The anticipated slowdown has also been deferred from 2024 to 2025, consistent with expectations for the nation following stronger-than-expected GDP growth at the […]

Through literature review of government, industry, and academic sources, this new report assesses New Jersey’s current policy approach and identifies gaps where complementary strategies can be implemented.

This new report, published by the New Jersey State Policy Lab, aimed to develop a measurement model to assess the digital skills required for accessing local government services online and analyze how these skills vary based on factors like age, gender, education, race, and income.

This report investigates how efforts to reduce learning costs of means-tested public benefit programs impact public opinion of these programs and perceived deservingness of program beneficiaries.