The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is out with a new report shining a light on the Garden State’s seven most southern counties.

Released Feb. 12, the “Long Story Short: South Jersey – A Busy Policymaker’s Guide to Understanding a Misunderstood Region” details what is unique and misconstrued about the area, as well as possibilities for and hurdles to economic growth.

Compiled by CCSNJ beginning in March 2023, the process included research, more than 30 interviews with regional economic development leaders, and information gleaned from the organization’s 1,200 member companies.

“South Jersey is deeply misunderstood by policymakers,” said CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna, co-author of the report. “Although the region has many similarities, its differences make holistic policy measures difficult to enact. As a result, South Jersey is at times neglected when well-intentioned policies are crafted and intended to have a statewide benefit.”

CCSNJ identified four main issues impacting development throughout this region:

• Lack of public transportation/transportation infrastructure
• Equitable incentives tailored to South Jersey’s unique needs and underserved areas
• Broadband accessibility
• Shortage of housing options

CCSNJ believes the report will provide state policymakers with a new appreciation for South Jersey along with a better understanding of its unique needs.

“With the release of this report, the CCSNJ aims to educate readers about what makes South Jersey, South Jersey,” said Hilary Chebra, manager of Government Affairs and co-author of the report. “If successful, our hope is that future economic policies will be constructed with the region’s unique landscape and needs in mind.”

The report includes a number of South Jersey tidbits, such as demographic information, fun facts and critical policy suggestions.

The full report is available here.