Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Monday signed an executive order directing state agencies to submit proposals to increase address housing affordability, a plan she said will help accelerate housing construction and lower costs.
The order, signed in the Statehouse on Monday, creates a Housing Governing Council and directs state agencies to deliver reports on housing affordability within 60 days. New Jersey’s housing is among the country’s most expensive, and Sherrill said the order will help the state finalize a housing plan by September.
“As I’m about to complete my first 100 days in office, I’m pleased to sign an executive order that lays the foundation for a new government-wide housing strategy,” Sherrill said. “It will help us cut red tape, get shovels in the ground, and build.”
Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette will chair the Housing Governing Council, and officials from the Department of Community Affairs, Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Economic Development Authority, and NJ Transit will co-chair. The Council must provide recommendations on housing goals for the administration; accelerating housing production; developing unused state property into housing; financing housing development; and increasing access to affordable housing within 150 days, or Sept. 24.
The ceremony included New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency official Jamie Ding, who is in the midst of a 31-day Jeopardy! winning streak that has brought national fame. Ding, the Multifamily and Tax Credit Program administrator, said the order signals that it’s time “to get to work” on housing.
“It’s just such a hospitable environment that the show creates for its contestants and for its audience, and you just feel welcome there,” Ding said about Jeopardy! “And that’s what I really want for everyone: everyone to feel welcome.”
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