Mission & Purpose

The goal of the Economic Development Division in the Department of Policy, Planning and Development is to foster the growth and retention of business activity and, through a healthy local economy, provide employment opportunities and a strong tax base.

Our programs generally focus on specific objectives, including:

• Attracting new business
• Nurturing small and start-up businesses
• Retaining existing business and industry
• Support for the redevelopment and/or adaptive reuse of underutilized or vacant properties

Liaison to Business & Community Organizations

The Economic Development Division serves as the liaison to business and community organizations. The Division coordinates programs and projects aimed at the retention of existing businesses as well as the attraction of new or expanded business opportunities within the City.

The programs include, but are not limited to:

• Community Development Block Grant-Economic Revitalization Program
• East Orange Urban Enterprise Zone Program

East Orange Urban Enterprise Zone Program

The East Orange Urban Enterprise Program established in the City in 1996 is a NJ State Authority certified program that supports job creation and helps finance the sorely needed physical improvements within the City's business districts. The program also provides support services to the business districts, such as improved community policing, creation of a Business Improvement District, Individual Façade Improvement Program for merchants and sidewalk streetscape improvements.