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The basics:

• Sherrill signs executive order to accelerate housing production in NJ
• State agencies must ID barriers, submit housing reports within 60 days
• Plan targets use of underutilized state land, streamlined development
• Comprehensive statewide housing strategy due within 150 days

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order Monday aimed at accelerating housing production and improving affordability in New Jersey. The EO directs a coordinated, statewide effort to better align agencies, reduce barriers and expand access to housing.

Executive Order No. 17 intends to lay the groundwork for a broader housing strategy. Recommendations are expected from the administration by September.

The move takes a “whole-of-government” approach to the issue. It requires agencies to evaluate regulatory, financial and operational hurdles that may slow development, while identifying opportunities to build on underutilized state-owned land and streamline processes. It also establishes a Housing Governing Council. Key agencies including the state Department of Community Affairs, Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, New Jersey Economic Development Authority and NJ Transit will lead the effort.

Within 60 days, agencies must submit housing affordability reports detailing immediate actions to increase supply, cut red tape and improve access. A comprehensive statewide plan is due within 150 days.

That outline will focus on five key areas:

1. Defining housing goals for the administration
2. Tracking and accelerating housing production
3. Developing unutilized and surplus state property into housing
4. Coordinating funding and financing processes for housing development
5. Inventorying and expanding access to affordable housing opportunities

Every tool in the toolbox

“We can’t make New Jersey more affordable without making housing more affordable,” said Sherrill. “With this Executive Order, we are aligning every tool at our disposal to accelerate housing production and make it easier for families to put down roots in the communities they love.

“Signed within our first 100 days, this action underscores our commitment to lowering costs, strengthening communities, and delivering real results for New Jerseyans. Because when we build more housing, we open the door to opportunity for everyone.”

Lawmakers said the order reflects both urgency and long-standing concerns about affordability.

Sen. Benjie Wimberly, D-35th District, said, “I’ve been in this fight for a long time, right here in LD-35 and in Trenton, because I see every day how housing costs and instability impact our families. That’s why I’m glad to stand with Gov. Sherrill as she pushes forward a real, coordinated effort to make housing more affordable, more accessible, and safer for the people we serve.

“This executive order speaks to our communities. We can build using state land to create opportunity and make sure folks can get into affordable housing.”

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, D-6th District, added: “The Governor and I share a commitment to meeting this moment with urgency and using every tool at our disposal to accelerate housing production. …

“By focusing development near transit and adhering to smart-growth principles, we can ensure that our children can put down roots here, our workers can live closer to their jobs, our businesses can attract and retain talent, and our communities can evolve strategically and sustainably.”

A national spotlight

Also on hand in Trenton was Jamie Ding. The NJHMFA multifamily and tax credit program administrator is in the midst of a 31-game winning streak on “Jeopardy!” while also serving in his day job.

“As someone who has spent a lot of time solving problems of my own creation, I know that how you set things up makes all the difference,” Ding said. “I am pleased that this Executive Order clears obstacles and makes it easier to build the housing we need.”

Housing advocates also welcomed the move.

Fair Share Housing Center Executive Director Adam Gordon said, “At a time when too many New Jersey families are being priced out, Governor Sherrill is acting with the speed and seriousness this crisis demands. These steps will help maximize the impact of New Jersey’s successful new affordable housing law requiring every municipality to create its fair share of affordable homes.

“By making it easier to build homes near transit, advancing affordable housing development on public land, and helping residents access the affordable homes that already exist, Gov. Sherrill is focusing on practical solutions that can make a real difference quickly.”

With the order now in place, agencies expect to begin coordinating immediately to deliver a comprehensive housing plan by September.