NJRA Redevelopment Training Institute Offers Courser to Aid Developers
Institute Provides Training Courses on Redevelopment in New Jersey


TRENTON - New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Joseph Doria today announced that the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) has new training dates available for its Redevelopment Training Institute (RTI). The RTI focuses on redevelopment in New Jersey. This training benefits those whose redevelopment and revitalization efforts may have been negatively impacted during these difficult economic times.

"The NJRA, by extending its technical assistance arm to offer this valuable redevelopment training, is playing a major role in Governor Corzine's efforts to revitalize the state's economy," said Commissioner Doria, who also serves as Chair of the NJRA. "Anyone with an interest in redevelopment should take advantage of these courses to become better informed and make smarter redevelopment decisions."

The NJRA RTI offers intensive intermediate-level training courses that focus on the redevelopment of New Jersey's communities. Economic development practitioners, planners, nonprofit and for-profit developers, professional consultants, entrepreneurs and elected and local government officials are encouraged to participate.

The goal of the NJRA RTI is to provide classroom instruction resulting in enhanced knowledge of New Jersey's redevelopment process and project financing. Each highly interactive course combines lectures, interactive discussions, small group activities and workshops, questions and answer sessions and case studies through multiple learning techniques.

"The Institute complements and enhances NJRA's mission," said NJRA Executive Director Leslie A. Anderson. "Our line of work is to finance redevelopment projects throughout New Jersey’s cities. We have found that although many people want to take redevelopment projects, there is still a segment of the population that needs training to become better informed about the process. Now, more than ever, is the time to learn from leading experts in the field on how to avoid pitfalls during these turbulent times."

The NJRA RTI, which is open to the public, offers three different training courses on the Redevelopment Planning Process, Real Estate Development and Project Finance, all taught by industrial leaders. In addition, core courses are enhanced with supplemental one-day workshops that address key issues pertaining to redevelopment. Workshops keep participants up-to-date on what is taking place in the development world.

The first offering, a one-day workshop being held on March 9, 2009 in Trenton, will focus on the financing tools used in redevelopment areas in New Jersey. This workshop is designed to provide a balanced perspective and encourages participants to apply these resources to finance redevelopment projects, where appropriate. Attendees will learn from experienced attorneys and practitioners who will provide timely and relevant information on RAB's, RAD's, and other financing options.

Other scheduled courses include the Redevelopment Planning Process being held from April 6-9, 2009 in Newark; Real Estate Development taking place from May 4-7, 2009 in Atlantic City; and Project Finance taking place from June 9-12, 2009 at a to be determined location. NJRA RTI has made scholarships available to both nonprofits and municipalities for those wishing to attend.

The NJRA, a DCA affiliate, is a state redevelopment financing authority committed to revitalizing urban New Jersey. As urban experts, the NJRA customizes project financing to invest financial resources into redevelopment projects that enhance New Jersey's cities. The NJRA offers a host of financial resources to support urban redevelopment.

For further information on the NJRA RTI, including application information, please call 609-292-1071, or log on to http://www.njra.us/njra/site/default.asp.