In the financial world, the common disclaimer that “past performance is no guarantee of future results” is meant to caution investors that risk is fluid, and circumstances can change rapidly.

However, that same refrain also implies that, on a long enough timeline, trends emerge that can predict some outcomes with a high degree of accuracy, if not certainty.

From a journalistic perspective, some storylines are cyclical, and some simply emerge with more time elapsed.

So, although we can’t say for sure what’s going to happen in 2025 based on the events of 2024, there are a few signposts that would seem to point the direction with a degree of clarity.

Here’s our broad outlook of the big things to look for in the year to follow based on our coverage from the past 12 months.

Concept plans for Collingswood Water Tower Redevelopment. Peron Development created the top three, while the bottom row of plans are from Capodagli (far left), EQT Exeter, and Kokes Properties. Credit: NJPEN.

Redevelopment

In New Jersey, which has some of the oldest housing stock in the country combined with a lack of available open space, infill redevelopment is the name of the game. 

Communities looking to address their affordable housing deficits or simply add to their ratable bases will identify areas in need of improvement and then seek partnerships from the private sector to turn them over.

Some of these projects were placed on the table and just as quickly removed, like the Collingswood Water Tower project, while others have been simmering on the back burner for decades, such as the Bancroft redevelopment parcel in Haddonfield.

In Haddon Heights, it’s a mix of both, as the local government seeks to reactivate properties in the Station Avenue downtown business district and along its edges. 

Look for more of the same to continue in 2025, especially as historic churches with dwindling congregations remain attractive candidates for adaptive reuse.

Related coverage:

Camden County Elections and Archive Center. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.

Elections

Communities with large governing bodies often have at least one seat up for grabs in most election cycles.

Camden County is home to several towns organized under a nonpartisan, three-member Walsh Act structure, where the whole slate turns over at the same time. 

In May 2025, voters in Audubon, Collingswood, and Haddonfield will head to the polls to choose their local leaders.

Will any of the races be contested? We’ll find out in late February, when petitions seeking elected office are due to be filed with the state.

Related coverage:

Proposed Haddonfield Schools Hopkins Athletic Complex. Credit: Haddonfield Schools.

Education

In the past year, voters in Haddon Township and Haddonfield approved major bond referenda that will make significant upgrades to their facilities, while voters in Collingswood shot down the second such proposal in the past decade.

Will the district attempt a third in the coming year?

Expect budget priorities to remain front and center for local boards of education either way, as contract negotiations in Collingswood and Haddon Heights have yet to be resolved.

Both districts remain in mediation with their respective teachers unions.

Related coverage:

Local and county officials ceremonially break ground on the Kings Highway roadway resurfacing project. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.

Transit and Travel

How people navigate their communities, and by whichever mode of transit they may choose, is one of the quieter, long-running themes that accompanies redevelopment. 

In communities like Camden City and Pennsauken, which are finalizing redevelopment studies based around mass transit centers, the two issues go hand in hand. 

Towns like Haddonfield, which has seen downtown planning efforts accompanied by discussions of walkability, an influx of state funding could improve conditions for pedestrians.

In Collingswood, where years of vehicle crashes have caused serious injuries and death, residents anticipate a roadway redesign with added safety features will help save lives near one of the most densely populated areas in town.

And in Camden City, an influx of federal cash will help cover the cost of a major redevelopment of the Black Horse Pike that stretches into Mount Ephraim and is anticipated to help rejuvenate the economic corridor there.

Related coverage:

Flooding on South Park Drive in Collingswood. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.

Climate Change/Environment

Environmental issues will continue to number among the most important concerns in communities throughout the region, whether in terms of managing the outsized effects of extreme weather or building resilience for the future. 

Camden County has felt the impacts of both stormwater intrusion and prolonged drought in the past year (and even an earthquake, which is not directly related to climate change). Efforts like greenspace preservation, canopy restoration through tree plantings, and effective resource management all help support local sustainability.

Related coverage:

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