The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to celebrate 20 years of continuous partnership with the Regional Plan Association (RPA), an independent non-profit civic organization. Since 1929, RPA has released four long-term plans to guide the growth and development of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut Metropolitan Area. These initiatives are credited with enhancing the region’s economic vitality, improving environmental sustainability, and elevating the region’s quality of life. In fact, they have led to some of the region’s most significant infrastructure, open space, and economic development projects. Some examples include the location of the George Washington Bridge, the revival of downtown Brooklyn, the creation of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after September 11th. After more than 100 years of service, RPA continues to advocate and conduct research on the environment, land use, and good governance, while advising cities, communities, and public agencies.

Within their scope of work, RPA has multiple ongoing projects that impact New Jersey communities. One of the major projects is researching and advocating for infrastructure improvements to support sustainable and accessible transportation. RPA is also researching and advocating for policies that will ensure the region is adapting to the impacts of climate change, while working to reduce emissions by decarbonizing the region’s building, transportation, and energy systems. And perhaps the biggest project they are working on is advancing regional affordability. Essentially, RPA aims to transform the tri-state area into one of the most affordable and least segregated areas to better serve the diverse and growing population. For these reasons, we’re proud to support RPA’s essential work to improve economic health, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in the tri-state area.