A new approach to planning and governing: the jersey shore experience

In the face of ever-increasing population and tourism, coastal managers find it hard to keep their shore towns and environs healthy and attractive. This occurs despite data pinpointing problem sources and experience offering proven solutions. While lack of will and money are often cited as key constraints, haphazard government responses are a significant factor. This article documents New Jerseyʹs approach to integrated coastal zone management. There planners, politicians and others joined to craft a policy using an innovative process called “cross-acceptance”. Cross-acceptance entails the collaborative development of policy by all levels of government along with civic and interest groups through comparison, negotiation and ratification. Cross-acceptance of coastal policy in New Jersey occurred in the context of the preparation of a politically charged strategic growth management plan for the entire state. This analysis examines the institutions and politics of coastal management — planning and governing.