{"id":3860,"date":"2026-03-10T19:36:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T19:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fairsharehousing.org\/?post_type=press-release&p=3860"},"modified":"2026-03-10T19:36:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T19:36:47","slug":"budget-address-gov-sherrills-focus-on-housing-affordability-highlights-need-for-funding-crucial-housing-programs","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/www.fairsharehousing.org\/es\/press-release\/budget-address-gov-sherrills-focus-on-housing-affordability-highlights-need-for-funding-crucial-housing-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget Address: Gov. Sherrill\u2019s Focus on Housing Affordability Highlights Need for Funding Crucial Housing Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In her first Budget Address, Gov. Sherrill made housing a primary focus of her broader affordability agenda, noting \u201cWe can\u2019t make New Jersey more affordable until we make housing more affordable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response, Fair Share Housing Center issued the following statement from managing director of external affairs, Al-Tariq Witcher:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abWe appreciate Governor Sherrill\u2019s recognition in today\u2019s 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\u2019s new affordable housing law<\/a> is a major step forward, much more needs to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe 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 \u2014 which Gov. Sherrill pledged <\/a>during her campaign and discussed in her address today \u2014 and providing additional funding to expand the state\u2019s 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\u2019s landmark 2024 housing law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNew Jersey should fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and direct the state\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pleased to see the Governor\u2019s commitment to the Down Payment Assistance and First-Generation Homebuyers programs.<\/a> These programs \u2014 which are showing more progress in shrinking the racial wealth gap than traditional first-time homeownership programs \u2014 are crucial in addressing the housing crisis. It\u2019s essential to ensure that their funding is in addition to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund \u2014 and not instead of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks to New Jersey\u2019s landmark new law streamlining the Mount Laurel Doctrine, far more towns than ever before<\/a> 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 \u2014 especially given the unprecedented federal budget cuts that threaten hard-working families with eviction and homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n