Highland Park Achieves Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification

This past fall, The Borough of Highland Park once-again achieved Sustainable Jersey silver-level certification, recognizing the community’s significant contributions and leadership in sustainability. Certified municipalities were announced at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon on November 18, 2025, in Atlantic City, during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference.

Sustainable Jersey’s participating communities now represent nearly 83% of all municipalities in New Jersey, reflecting a strong statewide commitment to advancing environmental stewardship, health, and resilience.

“Highland Park has been, for many years, a sustainable-minded community,” said Mayor Elsie Foster. “The leadership from Sustainable Highland Park, and Borough Administration, continues to inspire residents and future generations to live sustainably in their communities.”

Highland Park achieved silver-level certification through new and expanded initiatives across
environmental planning, public health, mobility, and community engagement. Highlights include
developing a Community Energy Plan, hosting various sustainability focused events and educational
seminars, and examining the diversity of our volunteers on the Borough’s various Boards and
Commissions. These efforts reflect the Borough’s long-term commitment to equity, health, and
sustainability.

“I am proud of the fact that Highland Park has now held a Silver Certification with Sustainable Jersey for 12 years and counting,” said Councilmember Matthew Hersh. “Working with Sustainable Highland Park is incredibly rewarding, and their passion for a more sustainable community is reflected by this long- running achievement.”

“Sustainable Highland Park works tirelessly to provide residents of Highland Park with resources and
educational material to bring sustainability to the forefront of our everyday lives,” said Rose DeLorenzo, Chair of Sustainable Highland Park. “I thank everyone on Sustainable Highland Park who contributed to making this happen, and I encourage everyone to get involved in making Highland Park more sustainable in 2026!”

In 2025, 83 municipalities achieved Sustainable Jersey certification. Of these, 52 earned bronze certification and 31 achieved silver certification, the program’s more advanced level. Municipalities achieving silver certification must demonstrate completion of sustainability actions across multiple categories and earn a minimum of 350 points. Statewide, 191 towns are now certified through the Sustainable Jersey program.

“It’s inspiring to see communities of every size across New Jersey leading the way toward a more
sustainable and resilient future,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “These
municipalities are not waiting for change—they’re creating it, through action, innovation, and
collaboration.”