NJBIZ Looking Ahead 2026: Optimistic or pessimistic outlook?

As part of the NJBIZ Looking Ahead 2026 special feature, we asked industry leaders across New Jersey: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about economic growth in 2026? Read the Letter from the Editor other Q-and-A’s here.

Cannabis

Sam Brill
CEO, Ascend Wellness Holdings

We are cautiously optimistic about economic growth in 2026. Cannabis demand has proven resilient, and the move toward Schedule III adds to a more constructive long-term outlook for the industry. Plus, rescheduling could potentially start a chain reaction of cannabis developments.

Scott Prisco
CEO, Priscotty

I’m optimistic about economic growth in 2026 and believe it’s going to be a strong year. I tend to look at things through a glass-half-full lens, and I believe there is opportunity even in the midst of uncertainty or chaos — you just have to be willing to find it. I don’t spend much time focusing on external circumstances that are outside of our control. To me, success is less about what happens and more about how you respond to it. Businesses and individuals that stay adaptable, proactive and clear-headed can create opportunity regardless of the environment. That’s the mindset I bring to both life and business, and it’s why I’m confident that 2026 will be a great year for growth.

Food/hospitality

Amanda Stone
Vice president of public affairs, NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association

2026 presents a significant opportunity for New Jersey, with major events bringing national and global attention to the state and creating meaningful momentum for tourism and hospitality.

Health care

Debbie Hart
CEO, BioNJ

Industry-wide, there’s positive momentum. M&A activity has picked up, more companies are raising follow-on funding, and we’re seeing more PIPEs [private investment in public equity] and a gradual return of IPOs. Investor sentiment feels more positive than it has in a while. It’s still early and things will evolve, but compared to the last couple of years, the change in tone is clear. Narrowing the lens, New Jersey’s innovation economy is gaining traction as evidenced by more than 20 life sciences groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings in 2025. Our startup ecosystem has enormous room to grow, and we expect that the state’s investment in five life sciences Strategic Innovation Centers will be a powerful catalyst. With $452 million in combined public private funding supporting more than 300,000 square feet of new office, lab and collaboration space, these centers are purpose-built to accelerate early stage and scaling companies across the life sciences. Taken together, these trends point to a more dynamic, better capitalized and increasingly supportive environment for life sciences growth in 2026.

Michael Maron
CEO, Holy Name

Cautiously pessimistic. Growth will be uneven, inflation will continue to distort operating budgets and capital markets will remain tight. Health care won’t get relief from any of it.

Brian Lawrence
CEO, FellowshipLIFE

Optimistic. Consumer demand remains strong, and with smart planning and cost controls, our sector is positioned for stable growth.

Law

Christine Amalfe
President, New Jersey State Bar Association; partner, FBT Gibbons

There are many reasons for optimism. The lawyer population has grown in recent years, fueled in part by increased law school enrollment. While attendance dipped early in the decade, it has rebounded to provide the profession with a strong pipeline of emerging talent. Demand for legal services has also risen, underscoring the essential role lawyers play across industries. There is every reason to believe this momentum will continue into 2026.

Money

Edward Moran
Senior vice president, commercial banking market president, OceanFirst Bank

Generally, I would characterize my thoughts on economic growth in 2026 as neutral.  Primarily a neutral outlook is driven by potentially lower interest rates that could help corporate borrowers’ bottom lines; however, there is the possibility that impacts from tariffs are yet to be felt and could surface in 2026.

Adam Kleinman
New Jersey commercial market executive, Wells Fargo

Optimistic – many of our clients continue to perform in their respective industries and have shared their views with us for the coming year. With rates trickling down and inflation somewhat under control, they can execute against their growth goals in 2026.

Public relations

April Mason
President, Violet PR

Cautiously optimistic. Our work with national economic development organizations and commercial real estate leaders gives us a strong, on-the-ground view of how companies are thinking about growth. While global uncertainty and tighter capital conditions remain real concerns, we continue to see opportunity. Businesses are moving more carefully, but they are still making decisions. Capital is flowing toward regions and projects with strong fundamentals, a clear value proposition and long-term growth potential. Growth in 2026 may be uneven, but momentum will favor those that can clearly articulate why they are well positioned. At Violet PR, we believe earned media campaigns that target national, local and niche outlets, and ultimately inform AI-driven discovery, will be critical in establishing that positioning. At the same time, audiences are increasingly searching for authenticity, and the ability to craft credible, human stories carries significantly more weight today than it did even a year ago.

Real estate

Bill Hassan
Executive vice president, CBRE

Very optimistic for continued growth within the data center market.

Tim Greiner
Executive managing director, JLL

I am optimistic that New Jersey’s commercial office real estate industry will continue its slow and steady growth emerging from a difficult past five years.

Charles Burton
Head of government and community relations, Lefrak

While there are global geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns to be mindful of, there is much to be optimistic about in 2026. The intersection of commerce and industry, housing and education is not an abstract concept. These markers of success are proven at the state and local levels. We are confident that our elected officials are cognizant of hostile policies that are chasing jobs and people out of states like New York into New Jersey. In fact, New Jersey’s cities like Jersey City are a prime example of abundance in action given the housing construction boom, new investments from AI and other technology companies, and existing investments from the state’s business anchors. It is one of the reasons why North Jersey will play host to the World Cup this year. We are confident that we will build on this success and the public and private sectors will work together to drive growth.

Retail

Michael Stigers
Wakefern

I remain optimistic about an industry I’ve been part of for more than 50 years. Our focus on learning, innovation, and strong retail and wholesale services positions us to help small businesses succeed — regardless of broader economic cycles. Wakefern was founded 80 years ago to help independent grocers compete and thrive, and that promise remains just as true today.