Housing and Community Development Network Issues Statement on State of the State

TRENTON – The following is a statement from Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network), in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s State of the State Address:

“We applaud the Murphy Administration for their efforts to invest in affordable homes throughout our communities. Since last year’s State of the State Address, Governor Murphy signed landmark legislation into law that empowers the NJ Department of Community Affairs with the authority to facilitate the development of more affordable homes across NJ. Governor Murphy also signed the Community Wealth Preservation Program into law, a tool communities can use to ensure that foreclosed homes stay in the hands of community members, not private equity. We also saw the enactment of legislation to combat racial bias in home appraisals, another step toward closing the racial wealth gap.

“Today’s message about zoning reform goals is a positive one and we look forward to working with the Administration, Senator Troy Singleton and legislative leaders on these reforms. As housing costs continue to spiral, NJ must continue its important work to rectify the racial wealth gap and the housing crisis with the policies and programs needed to foster homeownership among Black and Brown families.

“This effort includes not only implementing policies like the new affordable housing law or the initiative to address racial bias in property appraisals, but also protecting and expanding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program, a significant funding source for community developers seeking to build affordable homes in their neighborhoods. The Network and its membership of over 275 nonprofit organizations look forward to continuing our work with the Murphy Administration, Senate President Scutari, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and all our state legislators in expanding these efforts to HouseNJ so that all individuals in our state live in decent, affordable homes in safe, healthy neighborhoods.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ

The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 275 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.