The Senator Walter Rand Institute at Rutgers-Camden (WRI) serves as the neutral convener, facilitator, and technical assistance provider for forums focusing on regional development in South Jersey. The forums bring together diverse stakeholders for candid policy discussions about development issues with the following goals in mind:

• Create a neutral environment in which builders, environmentalists, planning experts and policy advocates can engage in open, honest dialogue;
   
• Reach consensus about the development issues facing the state;
   
• Identify common goals among participants with often conflicting perspectives;
   
• Generate recommendations for improving development and planning with special consideration for Southern New Jersey, the fastest growing region in the state.

Additionally, WRI has conducted research on best practices and coordinated meetings among planners, legislators, the Office of Legislative Services and various advocacy groups, resulting in the a proposal for a new approach to planning for the state.