About the New Jersey AAPI Commission

In November 2021, Governor Murphy signed legislation establishing the Asian American Pacific Islander Commission 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.

Civic Engagement Subcommittee Report

Subcommittee Membership

• Co-Chairs: Angela Bae and Mary Pan
Members: Peter Ahn, Saima Bhutta, Kin Gee, Rippi Karda, Falguni Pandya, Bishnu Maya Pariyar and Yan Mei Wang

Summary of Meetings
The Civic Engagement Subcommittee met virtually on December 5, 2023 and on March 20 and September 24 in 2024. Additionally the Co-Chairs met weekly from July 18, 2024 with the exception of October 3, 2024. During these meetings, the Subcommittee discussed various issues and insights to help inform their recommendations on civic engagement topics concerning the Asian American Pacific Islander population.

Summary of Recommendations
The Subcommittee on Civic Engagement proposes the following recommendations.

• Recommendation #1: The Subcommittee recommends increasing language access to promote Asian Pacific Islander voter engagement. Provide expanded language access with online and paper voting information, registration applications, and ballots.
• Recommendation #2: The Subcommittee recommends increasing culturally sensitive voter engagement strategies for Asian American Pacific Islander communities. Provide expanded language-related assistance, prioritize voter education, and disseminate critical voting information.
• Recommendation #3: The Subcommittee recommends increasing Asian American Pacific Islander data disaggregation. Provide a centralized database of AAPI elected/appointed officials and AAPI voting data.