Business leaders praise Sherrill for early outreach efforts

The basics:

• Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued early executive orders on energy and regulatory reform
• Administration created centralized permitting office to cut red tape
• Business leaders praise renewed engagement between Trenton and industry
• First state budget on March 10 will test Sherrill’s fiscal agenda

It has been a busy start for Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

Since taking office in January as New Jersey’s 57th governor, Sherrill has been assembling her administration while rolling out policy initiatives, responding to immediate challenges, and making a sustained effort to recalibrate the relationship between Trenton and the state’s business community.

On her first day in office, she kept a central campaign promise – declaring a state of emergency on utilities and signing two energy-focused executive orders right on the inauguration stage. The move was an early signal of her administration’s pace and priorities — particularly concerning affordability.

Earning praise

Another set of executive actions aimed at regulatory reform quickly followed the energy orders, which business leaders immediately applauded.

Sherrill established the Office of the COO and created a centralized permitting office intended to streamline approvals and reduce bureaucratic overlap. She also paused certain rules and regulations for a 90-day review, launching what she described as an effort to ensure that state government is operating efficiently and predictably.

“We thank Gov. Sherrill and her administration for moving so quickly on both EOs to drive efficiencies and reduce permitting delays and costs, as promised,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka Jan. 21 about EO Nos. 4 and 5. “Both initiatives send a strong message that help is on the way for businesses, their customers and residents of the state. These are very positive developments that we look forward to helping with and seeing the results of.”

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce strongly supports Executive Order No. 7 signed on Jan. 23 by Gov. Mikie Sherrill,” said Thomas Bracken, president & CEO; Michael Egenton, executive vice president, Government Relations; and Amirah Hussain, director, Government Relations, for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce in a statement. “By temporarily pausing the adoption of pending administrative rules and regulations for 90 days, this Executive Order gives the new Administration the opportunity to ensure that regulatory actions reflect the state’s priorities, especially tackling high costs, strengthening our workforce, and fostering an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs.

“This pause establishes a transparent process for agencies to identify rules and regulations that are critical and should proceed. At a time when affordability and economic competitiveness are top concerns for families and employers across our state, this measured approach to regulatory review will help ensure that government works more efficiently, is accountable to the people of New Jersey, and supports sustainable growth for years to come.”

Addressing the crowd

On the heels of those executive orders, Sherrill spoke at the NJBIA’s 2026 Public Policy Forum, held Jan. 30 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal.

During the event, Siekerka lauded the new governor for her poise, confidence and commitment to transparent, effective governance. “We also value her commitment to improving the policymaking process and ensuring the business community has a meaningful voice, not just a seat at the table,” said Siekerka. “Executive Orders 4,5, and 7 reflect that commitment and echo our recommendations we shared throughout the election and transition from our Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey.

“Let me introduce you to New Jersey’s business community, who is here in force with you today.”

Sherrill expressed her commitment to working with the business — stressing that her administration hears the concerns.

“I’m really excited to get this going – because I want our government to work better for you,” said Sherrill. “And the other thing that I’m so excited to see, our legislators here today. Because I think there is a sense – and I’ve even shared that sense – that Trenton doesn’t like business. And I think, in some cases, that’s not quite true.

“But what is true is maybe Trenton doesn’t always have the engagement with business that we need – to make sure that we’re understanding the benefits that you bring so many: the jobs, the opportunities, and how, if you are a public servant, that getting small businesses up and running as quickly as possible is really serving the public quite well.”

Facing challenges

She pointed to the assets New Jersey offers and the opportunities that exist while acknowledging the challenges to overcome, such as the state’s bottom ranking for business friendliness and other metrics.

The governor closed her speech, responding to an ask from the business community – to stay engaged and collaborate on ideas and policy to reach the best solutions.

I can’t promise you we’re always going to agree. I can promise you that we’re always going to hear you out.
– Gov. Mikie Sherrill

“My commitment to all of you is – that myself and my team will be that kind of government that you know is serving you,” she said. “That you know you can get a meeting with us. You know our doors are open. You know who go to when you have a problem.

“I can’t promise you we’re always going to agree. I can promise you that we’re always going to hear you out. And we’re always going to act in a way that we think is going to get the best results for everyone.”

‘She’s only just begun’

Sherrill then spoke at BioNJ’s annual Dinner Meeting & Innovation Celebration, held Feb. 5 in East Brunswick. The signature event brings together life sciences leaders to honor the strength and impact of the sector and the state’s innovation ecosystem.

“From day one, she matched bold vision with decisive action, moving swiftly to cut permitting delays,” said BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart. “She really listened to both the business community and the patients whose futures depend upon innovation.

“As a member of the Governor’s Economic Development and Innovation Transition Team, I saw firsthand the ability of the governor and her colleagues on her team to cut through the noise and turn ideas into action with urgency and purpose,” Hart continued. “And she’s only just begun.

“People ask what kind of governor she’ll be. If the past two weeks are any indication, New Jersey is in for something really special. And I, for one, cannot wait to see what comes next.”

Hitting the ground running

As Sherrill addressed the crowd, she stressed the urgency her administration is acting with.

“Because I had committed to the people of New Jersey that I was going to start change right away,” she explained. “Because for too many people, and many of you in your business know this, people can’t wait sometimes for change. They can’t wait for a lifesaving drug; they can’t wait for innovation; they can’t wait if they’re about to be unable to pay for their electricity bills or a house or their groceries.

“So, that’s why it’s so important. And I know many of you share my dedication to the people that we serve, and it’s so important that we keep fighting hard and we keep moving quickly. So that is exactly what I’m going to do. I told people across the state that if it’s keeping you up at night, it’s going to be keeping me up at night,” Sherrill continued. “So, we have gotten to work.”

Into (and through) the storm

Of course, New Jersey being New Jersey, there are also the circumstances that a governor must deal with that are beyond their control, such as two major snowstorms Sherrill was dealt. The governor received high marks in terms of preparation and response for both.

Her administration aggressively tackled the Gateway Tunnel project funding fight with the Trump administration, filing a joint lawsuit with New York that led to the restoration of some funding as that case plays out on appeal. But it led to work being restarted in the meantime.

“Her efforts to restore funding to the Gateway Tunnel underscore a clear understanding of what is at stake. Gateway is imperative to our region’s economic future and long-term success, and leadership on this issue matters,” Bracken wrote in a Feb. 9 op-ed applauding the first few weeks of the Sherrill administration. “Strong leadership is mandatory if New Jersey is going to get back on a track toward growth and prosperity – and we are seeing exactly that in these first weeks of the governor’s term.”

She has also barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from state property and launched a portal for residents to document their interactions with agents. The executive order led to a Justice Department lawsuit.

World Cup goals

An early pivot from her predecessor came as planning accelerates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last month, Sherrill announced scrapping the scheduled Fan Fest at Liberty State Park in Jersey City in favor of a $5 million initiative to fund World Cup programming throughout the state.

“New Jersey is the beating heart of the 2026 World Cup, and this initiative makes sure that every New Jerseyan – no matter where they live – can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Sherrill. “From fan zones to neighborhood watch parties to street fairs, we are investing in the communities and small businesses that make New Jersey extraordinary.

“The World Cup is coming to our state — and we are going to make sure it belongs to New Jerseyans first.”

“By shifting from a single fan fest in Jersey City … this plan creates the opportunity that economic benefits of the tournament will be shared more broadly,” said Bracken. “With matches taking place in Northern New Jersey and in Philadelphia, which generates economic activity for South Jersey, it is critical that small businesses and local municipalities statewide have the opportunity to participate in this once-in-a-generation event.”

“SHCCNJ welcomes Governor Sherrill’s $5 million World Cup Community Initiative,” the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey told NJBIZ. “This investment is a strong step toward ensuring the economic and cultural benefits of the 2026 World Cup reach communities across New Jersey — especially small businesses and local nonprofits.”

The organization says it’s encouraged by the focus on inclusive, community-based programming, and cultural representation.

“The World Cup is a major opportunity for Main Street businesses to participate and benefit meaningfully,” SHCCNJ said. “We look forward to collaborating with NJEDA and the Host Committee to help maximize impact statewide.”

Looking ahead

Taken together, the early reviews about the Sherrill administration from business leaders have been positive, with many citing an open line of communication and engagement – and a focus on efficiency, action and affordability.

But the harder work lies ahead.

Sherrill’s first budget — set to be unveiled March 10 — will be the clearest test yet, as she confronts a structural deficit, rising costs and diminished federal funding, which you can read more about here.

The challenges ahead are significant, and the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will shape not only the trajectory of the Sherrill administration, but the state’s fiscal footing in the years to come.