Paterson Forward is a comprehensive economic and community development planning effort funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The purpose of the plan is to highlight recent achievements as a foundation for future investment and activity, and to identify areas where improvement is most needed. The Plan will focus on ways the city can build on its recent successes to encourage positive new activity, streamline the development process, enhance public health and safety, and take advantage of economic incentives and support programs.

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Paterson Forward is a collaborative effort between the city Department of Economic Development and HGA, a community planning firm based in Red Bank, NJ. The project will kick-off with a series of round table focus groups with key stakeholders to gain insight on current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the city. After the existing conditions report is finalized, a community visioning process will spotlight key issues and prioritize next steps. The final plan will create a roadmap for policy and process improvements and define future projects.