In 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Murphy Shares Vision for Finishing the Job of Building a Stronger and Fairer New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2025 State of the State Address at the State House in Trenton on Tuesday, January 14, his seventh since taking office. In his speech, Governor Murphy highlighted the Murphy Administration’s progress over the past seven years in raising wages, creating jobs, and unleashing a new era of economic opportunity in the industries of tomorrow. Governor Murphy also outlined how, during his final year in office, his absolute top priority remains delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan, and in the process, building a New Jersey that is stronger and fairer for all. 

“Eight years ago, I ran for this office on a vision to help every New Jerseyan achieve their own American Dream,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “That has been the singular goal of our Administration – building a stronger and fairer state for our educators, our caregivers, our entrepreneurs, our veterans, and everyone who keeps our state moving forward. And today, my message to New Jersey is this: I’m not done yet. Over the next year, we are going to run through the tape in delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan.”

For the Governor’s full address as prepared for delivery, click here.

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Creating Target Zero Commission

Governor Phil Murphy signed A1476/S361 into law, creating the Target Zero Commission with the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. The 13-member group will consist of state officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), State Police, along with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, regional transportation officials, and others who will work together to make New Jersey’s roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.  

“The actions we take today will ensure that New Jersey families no longer have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to traffic fatalities. The Commission will collaborate to prioritize safety and mobility, forging a clear path to making sure everyone, whether walking, biking, driving, or using public transit, can travel safely in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy.

The Target Zero Commission will focus on data-driven strategies that prioritize roadway design, speed management, and safety for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The Commission will advise the Governor, Legislature, and the DOT regarding policies, programs, research, and priorities that will aid in attaining the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities. 

Under the law, the Commission is directed to propose an action plan within one year of the bill’s signing, with a chance for the public to provide feedback on the proposed plan. The Commission will also collect traffic safety data for the public, including data on dangerous intersections and crash demographics. Additionally, the Commission will provide data and resources to local municipalities to assist them in developing their own Target Zero plans.

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New Jersey Leads the Northeast in Population Growth

New Jersey is kicking off 2025 with record-levels of growth, including its highest number of jobs and employers to date. New Jersey now leads the Northeast in year-over-year population growth rate, with the number of residents climbing to an estimated 9,500,851, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This represents an increase of 1.3%, or 121,209, from 2023. 

According to new December 2024 reporting, New Jersey experienced a 2.3% population increase — or 211,837 new residents — since April 2020, which marked the release of the Decennial Census data. This consistent growth highlights New Jersey's ongoing upward population trend. 

The latest jobs figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for November 2024 show 4,391,600 jobs. As of September 30, 2024, there were 284,200 employers, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. 

“We are incredibly proud to see that New Jersey is among the top 10 states for population growth,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We are also thrilled to have reached our largest number of jobs and employers in Garden State history. This Census data is a testament to the important work being done each and every day across the Administration to support our workers and continue building a stronger, fairer New Jersey.” 

“We currently have more jobs and employers than at any other time in the Garden State’s history,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We're proud that over 9.5 million people now call the Garden State home, and our total number of jobs is 4.4 million strong and growing. We also have the largest number of employers in our state’s history. It's clear — Governor Murphy’s stronger, fairer economy has made New Jersey the best state in the Northeast to live, work and do business in.”

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Port Authority Awarded $25 Million U.S. DOT Grant to Transform New Jersey’s Approach to the Holland Tunnel with Streamlined Roadway Design and Safety Improvements for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Traveling Through Adjacent Jersey City Neighborhoods

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that it has received a $25 million grant through the U.S Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to transform the 12th Street corridor on the New Jersey side of the Holland Tunnel. The grant will fund a transformational modernization of the area with safer and more inviting features for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling through the fast-growing Jersey City neighborhoods adjacent to the corridor, improved vehicle travel times in the corridor and a projected 60 percent reduction in collisions.

The new design looks to balance the needs of drivers using the Holland Tunnel with those of nearby communities and residents looking to access schools, workplaces, mass transit and housing in the area. The project aims to restitch an area undergoing significant housing development and growth, but which is currently divided by the roadway serving as the New Jersey entrance to the Holland Tunnel. The more inclusive and safer design will further drive Jersey City’s economic vitality, inviting more business opportunities while significantly improving safety and air quality through the corridor.

“Ensuring that our residents are able to get from place to place safely and efficiently is critical to the success of our entire region,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “This project will not only enhance safety for the residents of Jersey City, but will also improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans traveling through the Holland Tunnel.” 

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New Jersey Announces Awards for Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence Pilot

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) announced awards to two institutions of higher education under the state’s pilot Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (Global EIR) program. With a targeted focus on driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI), this economic development initiative leverages the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and William Paterson University to create pathways for international entrepreneurs to stay in New Jersey to grow their startups. 

“New Jersey maintains its ongoing commitment to be a place where talent and innovation can thrive,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By combining the entrepreneurial spirit of global leaders with the strength of these two institutions, we’re laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and cementing New Jersey’s reputation as a national hub for AI and technological advancement.” 

“Our higher education institutions are critical drivers of economic and technological progress,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges. “This program not only provides international entrepreneurs with a pathway to establish roots in New Jersey but will also enrich the learning experiences of students and enhance institutional capacity for innovation.” 

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