TRENTON, N.J. — Mikie Sherrill marked her 100th day in office by announcing the launch of a new digital dashboard aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the state’s construction permitting process.
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The platform, introduced in a pilot phase, is designed to allow developers, businesses and nonprofit organizations to track permit applications for housing, energy and commercial real estate projects in real time. State officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize permitting and reduce delays that often slow development.
The dashboard will enable users to monitor the progress of permits from submission through approval, providing visibility into next steps, deadlines and overall status in a centralized system.
Entities interested in participating in the pilot program can apply for access through May 21. The state plans to select 10 projects for the initial rollout, allowing officials to test and refine the system before broader implementation.
“Your government should work for you, and this dashboard is one big part of making sure that it does,” Sherrill said during a press event announcing the initiative.
The governor emphasized that the tool is intended to simplify interactions between developers and regulatory agencies while improving accountability across the permitting process.
The announcement was made at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which has been working to streamline permitting through its Operation FAST initiative. The program — short for Facilitated Approvals for Sustainable Transformation — focuses on making regulatory processes more efficient and responsive.
Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said the department has already begun implementing reforms to improve how permits are reviewed and processed, aligning with the goals of the new dashboard.
State Sen. Paul Sarlo, who also works as an engineer in the private sector, highlighted the importance of balancing efficiency with safety and environmental protections.
“It’s all of our jobs to safeguard, put up the necessary guardrails and guiderails, to protect our constituents of New Jersey to ensure that all applications and development are done in a very safe manner to protect our environment,” Sarlo said. “That does not mean we put up roadblocks and detours and obstacles.”
The dashboard reflects a growing trend among states to adopt digital tools that streamline regulatory processes while maintaining oversight. By offering real-time updates and improved coordination among agencies, officials aim to reduce bottlenecks that can delay critical infrastructure and development projects.
If successful, the pilot program could pave the way for broader adoption across New Jersey, supporting faster project delivery in sectors ranging from housing to energy and commercial construction.
Originally reported by Katie Sobko in North Jersey.
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