In her first Budget Address, Gov. Sherrill made housing a primary focus of her broader affordability agenda, noting “We can’t make New Jersey more affordable until we make housing more affordable.”
In response, Fair Share Housing Center issued the following statement from managing director of external affairs, Al-Tariq Witcher:
«We appreciate Governor Sherrill’s recognition in today’s address that housing affordability and economic opportunity are deeply connected. The housing crisis hurts everyone, especially low-income families and people of color. While the state’s new affordable housing law is a major step forward, much more needs to be done.
“We look forward to seeing more details of the budget proposal and call on the governor and legislature to make necessary investments, especially ending diversions from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — which Gov. Sherrill pledged during her campaign and discussed in her address today — and providing additional funding to expand the state’s successful first-generation homeownership program. Strong housing funding would be particularly valuable this year, as municipalities are implementing their plans to create new affordable homes under the state’s landmark 2024 housing law.
“New Jersey should fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and direct the state’s new mansion tax toward affordable housing production. The Trust Fund is often the only source of funds for smaller, community-driven, shovel-ready developments, which do not qualify for federal funding.
“We’re pleased to see the Governor’s commitment to the Down Payment Assistance and First-Generation Homebuyers programs. These programs — which are showing more progress in shrinking the racial wealth gap than traditional first-time homeownership programs — are crucial in addressing the housing crisis. It’s essential to ensure that their funding is in addition to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund — and not instead of it.
“We also pleased that the governor spoke out in support of legislation to prevent landlords from using algorithmic rental software, which lacks transparency and can lead to unfair pricing that reinforces existing housing inequalities.
“Thanks to New Jersey’s landmark new law streamlining the Mount Laurel Doctrine, far more towns than ever before are moving forward with creating affordable homes. With housing costs at record highs, now is the time for bold action to protect and expand on this progress — especially given the unprecedented federal budget cuts that threaten hard-working families with eviction and homelessness.”
Background:
- Executive Director Adam Gordon’s NJ.com op-ed: Under Sherrill, N.J. has momentum to become national leader on affordable housing
- Press Release: Fair Share Housing Center Unveils 2026 Policy Agenda To Tackle Housing Crisis, Build on Landmark Affordable Housing Law
- Press Release: Gov. Sherrill’s Transition Report Builds on NJ’s Affordable Housing Framework, Lays Foundation to Lower Costs
