Evan Weiss was talking the talk about economic development in Newark recently. But
this time, the former head of the Newark Alliance was speaking as the CEO of the N.J.
Economic Development Authority.
Weiss, appearing last week before a group of leaders at a Newark Regional Business
Partnership event, reflected on his first weeks leading EDA and shared his vision for
strengthening the agency’s impact across the state.
He offered his thoughts on a number of key topics, including:
- EDA priorities and efforts to make its programs and products more accessible;
- The need for strategies to support micro and small businesses across New
Jersey; - The importance of cross-sector collaboration and breaking down silos;
- Opportunities for communities to engage around the 2026 FIFA World Cup;
- Real estate and infrastructure challenges, including commercial leasing
challenges and improvements to Newark Penn Station.
The conversation was more about the issues than new initiatives.
Weiss discussed the EDA’s broad portfolio of economic development tools, including
tax credits, venture innovation initiatives, business attraction efforts and real estate
development programs. He also noted the organization’s deep presence in Newark,
which is home to the EDA’s second-largest office, and how it plays an important role in
the agency’s work across New Jersey.
“I appreciated the opportunity to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s
roundtable and discuss ways the NJEDA is working to bolster the state’s economy,” he
said. “Conversations like this help bring together private and public partners who share
a common goal of driving job creation and economic growth across New Jersey.”
The event, hosted and sponsored by NJIT, brought together leaders from various
industries to exchange ideas and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the
greater Newark region.
NJIT President Teik Lim emphasized the university’s role in preparing the state’s
workforce and driving innovation. Lim highlighted NJIT’s commitment to workforce
development and technological leadership in the state.
“For NJIT to thrive, Newark must thrive, and NRBP is a critical component of the
partnership between NJIT and the city of Newark,” he said. “NJIT’s impact through tech-driven economic development, creation of a world-class talent pipeline, and numerous
industry partnerships help make Newark a hub for technology, talent, and economic
opportunity.”
Attendees included representatives from organizations including K&L Gates, GNEC,
Audible, PSEG, CBRE, NJIT, Citizens Bank, CSG Law, Edison Properties, Essex
County College, Newark Downtown District, PNC Bank, Rutgers–Newark, The
Enterprise Center and Tonio Burgos & Associates.
NRBP CEO Ferlanda Fox Nixon was thrilled by the turnout. She said collaboration is a
key to success in the city.
“The challenges and opportunities facing our region are too complex for any one
organization to tackle alone,” she said. “What makes Newark special is our willingness
to come together across sectors, share ideas, and contribute our unique talents and
resources.
“Convenings like this ensure that collaboration remains at the center of how we move
our economy forward.”
Weiss couldn’t agree more.
“I’m excited for our continued collaboration to move our state forward,” he said.
NRBP’s Leadership Roundtable Series provides an opportunity for senior leaders to
engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers on issues shaping the region’s
economic future, while fostering the connections and collaboration needed to move
ideas into action. It is open exclusively to NRBP members in the Innovator Tier and
higher.
The next Leadership Roundtable will be held on Sept. 17 at NJIT and will feature the
Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
