Environmental Leaders Gather for Tour to Highlight Stakes in Gubernatorial Election

With the 2025 gubernatorial election already taking shape, environmental advocates came together at the Social Profit Center, 1N. Johnston Street, Hamilton, NJ, to demand bold environmental leadership from the state’s next governor. Organized by the New Jersey LCV Education Fund in partnership with Isles Inc., the event marked the third stop in a statewide public education campaign titled “Enviro Fix in ’26.”

“Through our Enviro Fix in ’26 campaign, we’re lifting up the innovative, local solutions that communities like Trenton are already leading on,” said Luke Pavlov, Campaigns Manager at New Jersey LCV. “From healthier homes to clean transportation, green jobs, and resilient cities, the path forward is clear. What we need now is bold leadership from our next governor to scale up these solutions statewide and ensure every New Jerseyan can benefit from a cleaner, healthier future.”

In attendance were community leaders and supporters including Congressman Herb Conaway, MD, 3rd congressional district, Dan Benson, County Executive, Mercer County, Tiffany Falcone, Community Liaison, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Regine Delcy, Principal Planner, Mercer County Planning Department.

Participants heard about how Isles is helping Trenton tackle pressing environmental challenges through innovative, local solutions, including the following:

Healthy Homes: Weatherization upgrades, the whole-house approach, and lead remediation.
Clean & Cool Cities: Green and cool roofs, rooftop solar, and tree canopy expansion with the East Trenton Collaborative to combat the urban heat island effect.
Clean Transportation: Microtransit and electric vehicle expansion, including the GOTrenton! microtransit program.
Green Jobs & Local Food: Solar workforce training, the Climate Corps, and urban agriculture initiatives.

“This gubernatorial election represents a critical moment for environmental leadership in New Jersey. Through programs like our Community Corps and GoTrenton! microtransit initiative, we’ve demonstrated that innovative environmental solutions can deliver immediate benefits to residents while building long-term resilience. We’re excited to share these proven models with policymakers and show how the next administration can prioritize both climate action and community wellbeing across the state,” said Laura Fenster Rothschild, COO, Isles Inc..

“Our garden network and green roof initiatives represent more than just environmental improvements—they’re building community resilience from the ground up. When families can grow their own fresh produce and connect with neighbors through urban agriculture, we’re addressing food security while creating cooler, healthier neighborhoods. These programs show how local food systems can strengthen communities and combat climate change simultaneously,” said Otha Caldwell, Director of Food and Gardens, Isles Inc..

“When I walk into a home and see a family struggling with high energy bills or worried about their children’s health because of lead paint, I know our work can change their lives. Every weatherization project, every lead remediation, every energy efficiency upgrade we complete means a family can breathe easier—literally and financially. It’s about giving people the safe, comfortable homes they deserve while building stronger, healthier communities,” said Lee Henry, Weatherization Field Technician, Isles Inc..

Participants also had the opportunity to use GOTrenton transportation to visit the Tucker Street location where Isles conducts programs in environmental training and urban agriculture. Isles primary garden as well as Isles Youth Institute is also housed at this location.

At the center of the “Enviro Fix in 26′” campaign is the 121-page “Enviro Fix in 26’” policy guide, developed by a coalition of 25 organizations from across the environmental, public health, and social justice sectors. The agenda outlines actionable priorities for the next administration, including: