Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Wednesday a pair of initiatives aimed at accelerating housing construction across New Jersey, arguing that the state can no longer afford years-long approval delays as housing costs continue to climb.
The measures are part of the administration’s broader effort to expand housing supply, lower costs for New Jersey families, and address the state’s affordability crisis.
The Sherrill administration announced that applications for the second cohort of municipalities participating in the New Jersey Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJ HOMES) initiative will remain open through July 1. The program will select 30 municipalities to receive technical assistance and planning support to develop strategies to increase housing production. Municipalities interested in participating may submit applications online.
The administration also announced that the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) raised nearly $35 million through its Affordable Housing Tax Credit auction, generating additional resources to finance affordable and workforce housing developments throughout the state.
The announcements build on actions Sherrill has already taken to address housing affordability. In April, she signed Executive Order No. 17, establishing a whole-of-government approach to accelerating housing production. The order created the Housing Governance Council and requires state agencies and authorities to submit reports to the Governor’s Office detailing how their policies and programs affect housing affordability. The council’s co-chairs have already begun advancing the administration’s housing agenda through initiatives aimed at increasing housing production statewide.
Sherrill said New Jersey’s housing approval process has become too slow and is worsening the state’s affordability challenges.
“We simply cannot afford 10-year studies while housing becomes more and more unaffordable,” said Governor Sherrill.
Sherrill said her administration is prioritizing transit-oriented development and creating more housing opportunities for younger residents.
“If we want the next generation to stay here, build careers here, and raise families here, we have to make housing more affordable in New Jersey, which is why my Administration is hitting the ground sprinting on housing affordability. We’re helping communities create more housing near jobs, transit, and town centers while protecting the open spaces that make New Jersey the Garden State.”
Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez said the state is focused on removing obstacles that slow housing development.
“DCA understands that New Jersey’s housing challenges require urgency, innovation, and partnership,” Suarez said. “DCA is committed to removing barriers, streamlining processes, and providing access to solutions that address the affordable housing needs in New Jersey.”
The initiatives drew praise from housing and local government leaders.
“We commend Governor Sherrill, DCA, and NJHMFA for continuing to advance policies and programs that strengthen New Jersey’s housing ecosystem, expand housing opportunities for our residents, and move our state toward addressing its longstanding housing undersupply,” said Jeff Kolakowski, the CEO of the New Jersey Builders Association.
Jackie Veasy, mayor of Evesham Township and president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, said addressing the state’s housing shortage will require close collaboration between state and local officials.
“Real progress requires partnership with the mayors and municipalities that understand their communities best and are responsible for turning statewide goals into responsible, locally grounded results,” Veasy stated.
Veasy also encouraged municipalities to engage with the state’s efforts, saying that “failing to plan is planning to fail.”