2024-2025 HouseNJ Legislative Priorities The 2024-2025 legislative session kicked off with the historic passage of S50/A4, which establishes a new framework for municipalities as they fulfill their Mt. Laurel fair share housing obligations. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of Network members and A-Teams, this landmark legislation will give municipalities expanded tools to work with Network members to meet their 4th round obligations. The Network continues to advance its HouseNJ policy priorities, including growing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to address NJ's severe affordable home deficit and to anticipate the state's 4th round affordable housing obligations. Other HouseNJ goals include growing the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, ending home appraisal bias, de-emphasizing credit scores for prospective affordable home applicants, and creating safe spaces during times of extreme heat. Network A-Teams will also continue to advocate for local and state-level rental protections and resources, including calling on the legislature to define what constitutes an "unconscionable" rent increase. Programmatically, Network members and A-Teams will actively advocate for the implementation of essential tools like local land banks and the launch of the new Community Wealth Preservation Program.
NRTC Advocacy Toolkit The Network recently published a new NRTC Advocacy Toolkit, covering details about the program, what it needs to function to the fullest, and ways to support it.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Passaic The Passaic A-Team comprises a dozen Network members—from financial institutions to multi-actor community development corporations—who reflect the diverse housing needs of this part of the state. Passaic points to its rich history and diverse housing stock as the impetus for neighborhood reinvestment. Still, at 17 percent, the poverty rate surpasses the state and the county’s median income falls below the state average. Additionally, while the average median property value is on par with the state average, the average household income comes up far short of its neighboring counties. As such, housing advocates here are working to ensure affordability, along with promoting workforce development and transit initiatives. Key policy focus:
Resources The following is a list of food, healthcare, housing, and financial resources along with resources for families, children, and seniors. Additional resources can be found here on our main resources page. Passaic County Housing Resource Guide (English/Spanish) Emergency Assistance SEED: Growing our Communities Program New Jersey HUD Certified Housing Counseling Organizations Homelessness Trust Fund |