The housing crisis continues to make it difficult for first-time home buyers and renters to find affordable residences in New Jersey, mirroring what is happening across the nation.
As 2025 approaches, expect to see politicians using housing as a wedge issue as they vie to be elected governor of the Garden State.
And there are special programs in place for veterans and survivors of natural disasters.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in 2025.
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New Jersey towns need to zone for 85,000 new affordable homes and 65,000 refurbished units statewide over the next decade. In 2025, municipalities are required to take action or will be at risk of developer lawsuits. Towns can contest their housing obligation through a dispute resolution program through Feb. 28. Disputes must be resolved by April 1. Municipalities must create housing plans by June 30, and individuals can challenge those plans through Aug. 31.
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Housing is a popular topic among New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop wants to double affordable housing production. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and former Senate President Steve Sweeney said they would build senior and affordable housing. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka wants to cap rent increases and incentivize flexible zoning. Teachers union President Sean Spiller wants to expand a neighborhood revitalization tax credit. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s first campaign stop was at Eva’s Village, which feeds and shelters homeless residents.
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On the right, Republican gubernatorial candidates including state Sen. Jon Bramnick and former state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli are blasting “overdevelopment.” Talk show host Bill Spadea called New Jersey’s new affordable housing quotas an “assault on our communities” and said he would use executive power “to start the legal challenges required to turn back the Mount Laurel decisions.” The landmark state Supreme Court decisions require towns to provide their “fair share” of affordable housing.
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New Jersey committed $30 million to try to house more than 1,000 veterans experiencing homelessness over the next two years. Under the “Bringing Veterans Home” initiative, veterans’ organizations will partner with the state and use federal and state funds for things such as rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency shelters and voucher programs. Officials hope to end veterans’ homelessness by 2027.
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New Jersey will launch an online portal where Hurricane Ida survivors can apply for foreclosure forbearance. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the program into law in October — after conditionally vetoing similar legislation — three years after the storm. Families may be eligible for forbearance if they are participating in the homeowner assistance and recovery program or mitigation assistance program, as well as those in a handful of other scenarios. They will have 30 days to apply once the application is live.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ affordable housing in 2025: Here’s what’s ahead