Essex County Marks a Decade of Green Investment and Environmental Progress

On Earth Day, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. joined members of the Keep It Green Coalition to celebrate a major milestone—ten years since New Jersey voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment to dedicate corporate business tax funds to environmental preservation.

The legislation, passed in 2014, has since led to over $2 billion in statewide investments protecting open space, clean drinking water, farmland, and historic sites.
The celebration brought together environmental leaders and advocates at a fitting location—Essex County, one of the most densely populated regions in the country, yet home to an expansive and continually growing parks system.

“Anyone visiting Essex County can see how committed we are to revitalizing our parks and open spaces,” said County Executive DiVincenzo. “This funding has made a real difference in the quality of life for our eesidents, boosting health, recreation, and even property values. I’m proud to stand with the Keep It Green Coalition today to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.”

The Keep It Green Coalition is made up of more than 150 organizations focused on conservation, urban parks, historic preservation, and environmental protection. Coalition members praised the decade-long success of the funding initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining it for future generations.

“On this Earth Day, we’re reminded of the essential role green spaces play in public health, community connection, and environmental justice—especially in urban centers,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

“Thanks to the work of this coalition, New Jersey has been able to preserve its forests, parks, trails, and cultural landmarks while ensuring access to nature in every neighborhood.” Peter Dolan of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference added,
“The Fix Our Parks initiative is the next step. We need to repair and maintain the infrastructure that allows people to enjoy our public lands—and we must recognize the critical role that volunteers and nonprofits play in making that possible.”

Dr. Jacqueleen Bido of Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., spoke to the deeper impact of this work: “Green spaces in urban environments have the ability to transform how we engage with the world. It’s our responsibility to preserve them—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

As the state continues to invest in parks, open space, clean water, and preservation projects, Essex County remains a shining example of what can be achieved when environmental values are backed by real, sustained funding.