Workshops

Making Mount Laurel Work: How Nonprofits Can Help Build More Affordable Homes
With NJ’s fourth round of Mount Laurel obligations underway, this session explores how nonprofits can play a leading role in meeting municipal housing goals. Hear the latest on what’s happening across the state and learn about tools for tracking local plans, trust fund balances, and agreements. You’ll also hear from community developers working with towns, get policy insights from state officials, and learn how NJDCA is helping municipalities meet their obligations. 

Electric Avenues: Strategies and Programs to Keep NJ Energy Costs Down
Hear from leaders in New Jersey's legislature, non-profit community development corporations, and community-solar based energy companies on the different ways residents and advocates can pursue energy savings in real-time and statewide policy going forward. As rising utility costs of up to 20% squeeze the bottom line of New Jersey's low-to-moderate-income residents it is more important than ever that both tangible and future avenues of economic relief be made available.

Closing the Gap: Equitble Strategies to Build Community Wealth
New Jersey’s racial wealth gap—already one of the largest in the nation—has doubled since the pandemic, fueled by rising home values, inequitable access to homeownership, and decades of discriminatory housing policies. As demand for walkable neighborhoods reshapes urban centers, long-standing communities of color face intensifying displacement pressures that threaten to deepen these inequities. This panel will examine current patterns in wealth disparities, explore early warning signs of displacement, and highlight reparative housing solutions—including community land trusts, inclusionary zoning with local hiring preferences, targeted homeownership programs, and a state-level Community Reinvestment Act. 

Let’s Make a Deal: How Financial Institutions and Community Developers Can Work Together to Solve NJ’s Housing Crisis
Building on the initial discussion convened earlier this year by the Network’s Community Development Investment Advisory Board (CDIAB), Network members in good standing are invited to join a conversation with peers and lenders about financing tools and resources that can strengthen our work. We’ll explore opportunities for collaboration, best practices, and ways public–private partnerships can help address housing affordability amid shrinking public subsidies. Participants are encouraged to share questions, ideas, and priorities for investments that can support their organization’s goals. 

Media Ready: Building Confidence, Capacity, and Credibility in Press Engagement
As housing affordability and community development gain public attention, community leaders are increasingly called upon to serve as trusted voices in the media. This session offers a comprehensive framework for strengthening media engagement strategies and internal preparedness within your organization. Participants will explore best practices for responding to media inquiries, preparing for interviews, and cultivating productive relationships with reporters. Whether responding reactively or positioning proactively, attendees will leave better equipped to navigate complex media landscapes with confidence and credibility. 

Faith and Foundations: Transforming Assets into Affordable Living Spaces
Join us in an exploration of how religious institutions—historically large landowners in the U.S.— can participate in solving the housing crisis by repurposing underutilized properties to accommodate affordable housing. Hear about legal reforms in other states that have spurred development, as well as the steps faith-based institutions must take to begin their affordable housing development journey. 

Housing, Not Handcuffs: Seizing the Moment to Drive Housing Justice
As the legislative session wraps up and the Murphy administration winds down, Network members have a key chance to push HouseNJ priorities. These include passing the Homeless Bill of Rights (A1678), setting statewide Code Red standards (S2346), raising eviction filing fees to fund prevention, and defining “unconscionable” rent hikes (A5432). With housing instability rising, this lame duck session is a crucial moment for action. Join our interactive workshop to learn how power mapping, relationship-building, and strategic outreach can help us HouseNJ and end homelessness. 

Algorithm vs. Affordability: How Tech Is Shaping Housing Policy
AI is changing how rents are set and tenants are screened and not always for the better. This session explores the growing influence of rent-setting algorithms as well as other technology and their impact on affordability and equity. Find out what you need to know about emerging legislation and advocacy efforts aimed at keeping tech accountable. 

Funding your Mission During Financial Uncertainty: Strategies for Diversifying Your Revenue
Is it time to revisit your fund development plan? With the current cutbacks in federal funding and potentially state funding, non-profits need to review their fund development plans, look for opportunities from non-governmental sources, ensure you are diversifying your revenue stream, and create strong messaging for a broader audience. 

Rooted & Rising: Culturally Responsive Development Without Displacement
Community development should build with communities, not over them. This session explores how nonprofit developers and local leaders are advancing culturally responsive development strategies that honor and strengthen the traditions, businesses, and gathering spaces that define a community’s identity. Hear from immigrant community organizers, cultural practitioners, and developers who are preserving place, supporting informal economies, and ensuring new development reflects shared values and cultural heritage. Join us to learn how equitable growth can look, feel, and function when rooted in the assets of the people who already call a place home.