About the New Jersey AAPI Commission
In November 2021, the Asian American Pacific Islander Commission (AAPI) was established within the Department of State. The commission is charged with developing policies to address the social and economic needs of the growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in New Jersey.

Charge of the New Jersey AAPI Commission
Per the act that established the AAPI Commission, the commission is tasked with: developing policies to improve the community, economic, social well-being, health and educational needs important to AAPI communities in New Jersey; developing and coordinating Statewide programs, recognizing the continuing contributions of AAPI individuals in New Jersey; drawing upon the membership's knowledge and expertise in creating activities designed to better educate all citizens of New Jersey on AAPI issues and culture; and increasing the awareness among AAPI individuals of governmental affairs and community and social service resources that may benefit AAPI individuals and communities as a whole. The commission consists of 30 members, representing the diversity of the AAPI community in New Jersey.

Executive Summary
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing populations, yet continue to face systemic barriers in civic participation, economic opportunity, language access, and representation in government leadership. This report presents findings and policy recommendations developed by the AAPI Commission’s Civic Engagement and Economic Opportunity Subcommittees, informed by statewide and national data and a community survey of more than 300 respondents.

Key Findings

• Limited language access for populations with limited English proficiency remains the primary barrier to voting and access to government services.
• AAPI residents are significantly underrepresented in elected and appointed offices relative to their population share.
• AAPI small business owners face disproportionate challenges accessing capital, programs, and technical assistance.
• Asian Americans remain underrepresented in executive and managerial roles despite strong participation in professional and STEM fields.

Core Recommendations

• Expand multilingual voter registration materials, ballots, and election information statewide.
• Strengthen culturally responsive voter education and outreach in AAPI communities.
• Improve AAPI data disaggregation, including centralized tracking of voter participation and representation.
• Designate a New Jersey AAPI Officer to coordinate language access, data compliance, and AAPI-focused initiatives across state agencies.
• Expand multilingual financial literacy, workforce development, and small business support programs, including access to capital and vocational pathways.
• Support leadership development and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to address underrepresentation in management and executive roles.

Implementation of these recommendations will strengthen civic participation, promote economic mobility, improve representation, and ensure that state policies and programs reflect the full diversity of New Jersey’s AAPI communities.