The Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development is the liaison between the public and private sector for planning and development activities in New Brunswick.

The Department coordinates economic development activities such as redevelopment projects, financial assistance and training to small businesses and facade improvement grants for business properties. The Department has assisted in the development of over $700,000,000 of new construction and a 27% increase in the number of jobs in the city in the last 10 years.

The Department also funds and coordinates community development activities for New Brunswick. Projects have included the rehabilitation of over 900 homes and the construction of over 400 new homes for low or moderate income families, as well as the construction of new sidewalks and community clean up projects.

Local planning is also coordinated by the Department. The Department, through the New Brunswick Planning Board, develops and updates the City's Master Plan, administers local zoning regulations and develops redevelopment planning strategies to revitalize areas in town in need of improvement.