By Al-Tariq Witcher
Finding an affordable place to live in New Jersey has become nearly impossible for too many families.
Every week, I hear from seniors choosing between rent and medications, parents working two jobs who still can’t keep up with rising costs, and young adults unable to put down roots in the communities that raised them.
What used to be a challenge has become a crisis that reaches every corner of our state.
The good news is that New Jersey already has a strong foundation to build on. Last year’s landmark affordable housing law to strengthen the Mount Laurel Doctrine — the strongest statewide framework in the country — has put us on a clear path to ensuring every municipality does its fair share.
As a result, more New Jersey towns are now planning and building affordable homes than ever before.
Local leaders are learning what residents already know: when people have a safe, stable home, the whole community benefits. We should be proud of that progress. Now it’s time to unlock its full potential and help families see the benefits sooner.
That’s why this lame duck session is so important. Lawmakers have a short window until mid-January to pass a package of meaningful housing reforms — the kind of practical, high-impact bills that will help us take full advantage of the progress already underway.
1) The Legislature must protect and expand funding for affordable housing.
Earlier this year, the New Jersey budget slashed the Affordable Housing Trust Fund at the worst possible time. Safeguarding and growing this fund is especially important, as it is often the only public source available for smaller, community-driven, shovel-ready developments.
Additionally, reserving at least 50% of the “mansion tax” for critical housing needs — such as preserving existing affordable homes and preventing evictions — would also help municipalities advance the unprecedented number of affordable housing developments now in the pipeline.
2) We need targeted zoning reforms that foster smart growth.
New Jersey is filled with opportunities to add homes where they make the most sense, but outdated zoning rules stand in the way.
Common-sense legislative proposals would have major upside for local economies: incentivizing conversions of aging office parks and shopping centers into mixed-use developments; and, making it easier for religious institutions and nonprofits to pursue inclusionary projects that include affordable homes
These reforms would give towns the flexibility they need to use land more efficiently and create new homes, without displacing existing residents.
3) The Legislature must strengthen tenant protections.
With federal budget cuts decimating housing support for vulnerable renters, we’re staring down the likelihood of an unprecedented surge in evictions. If state policymakers don’t act swiftly, thousands of New Jersey families who have done everything right could find themselves pushed into homelessness.
Several key bills have already made progress to:
Some have already passed the Assembly
It’s imperative for legislators to do everything they can to get these proposals across the finish line before the end of session.
New Jerseyans are tired of watching families get priced out and pushed out. State policymakers must take urgent action to strengthen our communities, prevent displacement, and make our state more affordable — not years from now, but right now, when families need it most.
Lawmakers have a rare opportunity in front of them. As the U.S. grapples with unprecedented levels of income inequality, our housing policy solutions must be scaled up to meet the moment. Families across New Jersey are counting on it.
Al-Tariq Witcher is managing director of external affairs at Fair Share Housing Center.