Latest New Jersey Legislative District Data Book Published by Rutgers' Center for Government Services

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The 36th edition of the New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, a resource for legislators, local governments, citizens and the media, is now available from Rutgers’ Center for Government Services (CGS).

Organized by legislative and congressional districts, the 230-page, spiral-bound publication, also available on CD-ROM, contains a wealth of information on each of the state’s 566 municipalities, including population and demographic data, voter turnout, property taxes, school performance and fiscal resources, as well as contact information for state and federal legislators. The latest edition, officially the 2011 data book, includes the state’s newest legislative districts and legislators.

The publication was first issued in 1976 by what was then the Bureau of Government Research. CGS was created in 1991, consolidating the bureau and the Department of Government Services. Ernest Reock Jr., former director of CGS, conceived the data book in the 1970s, when New Jersey increased and redrew its former county-based legislative districts. He has shepherded its publication ever since, even though he officially retired in 1992 after 42 years with the university as a professor and administrator. Reock and a small staff at CGS are responsible for the collection and vetting of the myriad data that comprise the book. 

“The Legislative District Data Book is the only database of its type in New Jersey,” said Alan Zalkind, director of the Center for Government Services.  “The current edition reflects New Jersey’s new legislative districts for the first time. CGS also is exploring the opportunity develop a new and expanded interactive database that can be used by elected officials, the media and the public for future editions.”

Future plans for the book include an emphasis on city and county data, with comparative analyses readily transparent, Zalkind said.

In addition to publishing the data book, CGS trains more than 8,000 individuals each year in 22 separate programs that include more than 750 courses, seminars, and conferences. CGS aims to improve the knowledge, competency, and professionalism of state and local government employees and officials. Training and state-mandated certification programs are offered in such areas as municipal finance, housing inspection and code enforcement, educational facilities management, public purchasing and zoning. 

The 2011 Legislative District Book is available for $80 per single copy. CD-ROMS, containing data in spreadsheet format, also may be purchased. For ordering information, contact the Center for Government Services, 303 George St., Suite 604, New Brunswick, N.J., 08901-2020; 732-932-3640, ext. 628, or email mjlush@docs.rutgers.edu. Order forms also may be found online.