Commercial real estate executives in the state are hopeful that Governor-elect Christie will continue the work aimed at fostering economic development that began under Corzine when he signed the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 into law in July.

"Being a high-cost border state, New Jersey needs to be relentless in demonstrating its commitment to economic development," says Michael McGuiness, CEO of the New Jersey chapter of Naiop. "This will be a protracted recovery, so we hope that the new governor will recognize this positive momentum and support additional legislation designed to improve our business climate."

McGuiness also urged the incoming governor to reconsider his opposition to an increase in the gas tax to fund transportation infrastructure improvements. "Failing to address our transportation needs is simply not an option if we are to maintain our existing job base and attract new jobs and boost the logistics industry that is so critical to our economy," he says. Reducing the cost of running government is priority, as well, McGuiness says.