The Gateway Institute is a standard forum for discussion of regional growth and development issues. Policy matters often require a "neutral ground" in order to get a full public airing, and the Institute provides just such a setting at the University. Gateway runs a regular schedule of policy forums, including the invitation of guest lecturers and experts. Regional groups concerned with the economic and related issues can look to the Gateway Institute as a setting for professional and public meetings, conferences, planning focus groups, and similar sessions. These include the Conference on NJ Tax Policy and a deregulation conference.

• The New Jersey Tax Policy Conference focused on proposals for tax base sharing and other structural changes. Former NJ Governor, Christine Whitman, talked about prospects for future reform of the property tax.
• In an effort to address potential public safety issues in Union County, the "Get Ready for Y2K: Coordinating County and Municipal Planning" seminar was a gathering of elected officials and professionals sharing vital information about state, county and municipal plans on how to address perceived Y2K technological problems.
• Addressing the fierce debate over school choice in New Jersey, Gateway Institute held a fall conference entitled, "Strengthening Public Schools: Is Choice An Answer?" diametrically-opposed proponents tackled the pros and cons of tuition tax credits and charter schools. Participating was prospective GOP gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler, Mayor of Jersey City.
• Presented by the West Ward Community Partnership Corp. of Trenton and coordinated by A Bridge Corporation, Gateway helped forum sponsors turn their annual diversity conference into a popular forum for audiences across New Jersey. The purpose of the Empowerment Summit was to bring together a culturally diverse group of educators, students, community leaders and concerned citizens to examine diversification practices.
• On September 29, 2001, the Gateway Institute will host the Herman A. Estrin Writer’s Conference titled "Transcending the Boundaries of Writing." The conference will feature 34 interactive workshops ranging from topics such as self- publishing to e-mail etiquette. Our featured luncheon speaker will be internationally renowned suspense writer, Mary Higgins Clark.