TRENTON, N.J. – Burlington City could soon gain a powerful new economic development tool under legislation introduced Monday by Sen. Troy Singleton that would authorize the creation of an additional Urban Enterprise Zone in the historic Delaware River municipality.
The measure, Senate Bill 4734, would increase New Jersey’s total number of designated urban enterprise zones from 32 to 33.
If approved, Burlington City would join a roster of municipalities participating in a program that offers reduced sales tax rates and business incentives aimed at revitalizing local economies.
Key Points
- Senate Bill 4734 adds Burlington City as the 33rd Urban Enterprise Zone in New Jersey.
- The bill was introduced by Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) on October 27.
- The UEZ program allows qualified businesses to charge half the state sales tax and receive other incentives.
Urban Enterprise Zone program expansion
The Urban Enterprise Zone program, first established in 1983, was designed to attract investment and job creation in economically distressed areas through tax incentives and grants. Businesses within a designated zone can apply for certification to collect sales tax at half the standard rate, gain access to state-backed financing, and qualify for workforce training programs.
Singleton’s bill seeks to extend those benefits to Burlington City, citing local poverty and employment data as qualifying factors under state criteria. The legislation directs the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority to designate the new zone within 90 days of receiving the city’s application and zone development plan.
Eligibility based on poverty and population
According to the bill text, the Burlington City designation is based on its population—between 9,000 and 11,000 residents—and a poverty rate of at least 12 percent, as identified in the 2023 Municipal Revitalization Index. The measure notes that the zone would be located in Burlington County, classified as a county of the second class with the lowest population density.
Under the proposed act, qualified Burlington City businesses would gain access to the same benefits as those in other UEZs, including the 50 percent sales tax reduction on retail transactions and eligibility for redevelopment funding.
Legislative and local support
Singleton, who represents the 7th Legislative District, has long advocated for economic revitalization in Burlington County’s river towns. Supporters of the measure say the zone could help attract new employers, spur commercial investment, and expand job opportunities for local residents.
If enacted, the Burlington City zone would be the first new UEZ added to the state’s program since 2004, signaling renewed legislative interest in leveraging the program to aid smaller municipalities.
Statewide economic development framework
New Jersey’s UEZ program currently spans 32 municipalities, including Newark, Camden, and Trenton. Participants have collectively generated billions in private investment since the program’s inception. Senate Bill 4734 continues that legacy by broadening the scope to include an additional community seeking revitalization through targeted economic incentives.
The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.