Affordable Housing

In 1975, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that each municipality has a constitutional obligation to provide a realistic opportunity for the construction of their fair share of affordable housing. Over the years, the oversight of this process has taken several turns. Today, municipalities must go through a costly court process in order to be protected from further costly litigation known as builder’s remedy suits.

Next Round - 2025

New Jersey is approaching the 4th round of affordable housing obligations in 2025. The outcome of this new round of numbers will have a major impact on the planning, zoning, environmental, and budgetary decisions of municipalities for years to come.

At this time, there seems to be no meaningful discussion amongst lawmakers to either reconstitute the administrative agency known as COAH, have the agency perform it’s statutorily mandated rulemaking functions or have any comprehensive legislation to address the issue.

Without action in Trenton, municipalities across the state are facing the expiration of their court approved plans and will undoubtedly find themselves in further protracted legal battles.   

Take action

Local officials should contact their representatives in Trenton, urging them to act. The uncertainty that surrounds the next round of municipal obligations set for 2025 will only lead to additional and costly litigation.

  1. Lunch & Learn: State Planning Commission – State Plan Update

    On Tuesday, October 3 the League is hosting a Lunch and Learn with the New Jersey State Planning Commission to begin discussions as the Commission starts the process of updating the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. Read on...
  2. Governor Signs Bill Establishing Urban Preservation Program

    Governor Murphy has signed A-5596/S-3991 establishing the Urban Preservation Program to promote investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects dedicated to preserving affordable housing in urban areas. Read on...
  3. Governor Signs Bill Assisting First-Generation Homebuyers

    This week, Governor Murphy signed into law S-3780. The new law provides down payment assistance and provides tax credits to developers that commit to construct or reconstruct housing for certain low to moderate income households. Read on...
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