Community Developers Urge New Administration to Build a Thriving NJ
Congratulates Board members and allies on transition team

11/27/2017

Nonprofit community developers and housing advocates are urging Governor-elect Phil Murphy to restore and commit $600 million annually into a strategic set of housing and community investments as the state’s new executive leader. Over 115 public officials and 100 community organizations have signed on to the economic revitalization plan developed by the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) calls an economic revitalization tool.

“Our new governor has an opportunity to make the state’s economy thrive by ensuring that everyone can afford to call New Jersey home,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “The housing crisis – from foreclosures and lack of affordable starter and rental homes – is harming our economy and our neighbors. We look forward to the new Administration making smart investments that benefit our residents and our neighborhoods.

Housing and community development advocates have built strong support for their plan to Build a Thriving New Jersey, a $600 million annual investment to create affordable homes. They point to ten specific State investments and programs that will help “build a thriving NJ,” including the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the State Rental Assistance Program, the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC), Lead Poisoning Prevention and Weatherization, Homeless Service Programs and others. The vast majority of these state programs have experienced significant decreases or complete elimination in funding over the last decade.

Members of the Network Board of Directors have been selected to serve on the governor-elect’s transition housing committee including Joseph Della Fave, executive director of Ironbound Community Corporation, who is one of the transition team co-chairs, as well as outgoing Network Board President Blair Schleider Bravo, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity and former Network Board President Ray Ocasio, executive director of La Casa de Don Pedro.

“We’re happy to see many of our members and partners selected to serve on the transition team for the housing committee and offer our congratulations. We look forward to working with the new administration to help shape policy that will jumpstart our economy and allow us to thrive,” said Berger.

To learn more about Build a Thriving New Jersey and view a complete listing of endorsements, visit www.hcdnnj.org/BuildaThrivingNJ.

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 250 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.

For more information: Nina Rainiero
(609) 393-3752 x1200
Website: hcdnnj.org
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