NJEDA Board Approves Creation of the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program

$24 Million Pilot Program will Provide Grant Funding to Facilitate Future Redevelopment Projects

TRENTON, N.J. (October 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program. The pilot program will provide grants to governmental or not-for-profit local economic and community development entities for the acquisition of vacant properties to facilitate future redevelopment projects. Of the $24 million in funding available, approximately $3 million will support acquisitions for strategic public use projects, including public plazas, parks, and walkways, and the remainder of program funding will support acquisitions for future development projects, including commercial or mixed-use developments and research or laboratory spaces.

“The redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties is essential to enhancing the economic future of New Jersey’s communities and will provide much-needed jobs to local residents and tax revenue to municipalities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Local Property Acquisition Grant Program will support local economic development strategies across the state by turning unused real estate assets into thriving commercial properties and community gathering places.”

Maximum grant thresholds are $1 million for strategic public use developments and $4 million for future development projects. The minimum grant request for each product is $50,000. Grant funding for the program will be subject to a competitive application process expected to open in early 2024. After eligibility review and scoring, recommended applications will be sent to the NJEDA Board for final approval. For more information on the program, including application requirements, scoring parameters, and a full list of eligible projects, visit https://www.njeda.gov/local-property-acquisition-grant-program/.

The $24 million pilot program is funded from $70 million established for real estate project funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Act. The Act allocates significant funding for numerous strategic economic development investments to support key industries, advance the innovation economy, continue to bolster economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, and spur statewide growth.  

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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