James W. Hughes

James W. Hughes is a University Professor and Dean Emeritus at Rutgers University's Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. He holds dual appointments as Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Policy Development and Senior Research Scientist at the Rutgers School of Engineering's Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT). He serves as Director of the Rutgers Regional Report and Senior Faculty Fellow at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development.

Education:

• B.S. in Engineering, Rutgers College (1965)
• M.C.R.P. in City and Regional Planning, Rutgers University (1969)
• Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Policy Development, Rutgers University (1971)

Research Focus: Demographic trends, housing markets, regional economics, transportation policy, and applied policy analysis. His work bridges academic research with practical solutions for New Jersey’s economic, infrastructure, and urban development challenges. He has authored/co-authored 35 books and over 150 articles, including landmark studies on Atlantic City, New Jersey’s postsuburban economy, and demographic forecasting.

Impact: As Bloustein School dean (1995-2017), he expanded the institution into a global leader with $20M/year in research funding, 18 research centers, and strong public-sector partnerships. His Rutgers Regional Report provides critical analytics on the Northeast megalopolis. He advises state and federal agencies, corporate leaders, and policy bodies on economic resilience, workforce development, and climate adaptation.

Honors:

• NAIOP Hall of Fame (2021)
• American Planning Association's James W. Hughes Applied Research Award namesake
• Rutgers Engineering School Medal of Excellence

Leadership: Serves on boards of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Elizabethtown Water Company, and multiple state/commercial advisory panels. Maintains active public engagement through 30+ annual speaking engagements and policy testimony.