Housing and Community Development Network of NJ Applauds Sherrill Transition Team’s Affordable Housing Report

Trenton, NJ – The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) today expressed support for the Sherrill-Caldwell Transition Team’s Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership Action Team report, calling it a comprehensive and action-oriented roadmap to confront the state’s housing affordability crisis.

Many of the recommendations closely align with the Network’s HouseNJ 2026–27: Building Resilient Communities in Uncertain Times blueprint, developed in partnership with community development corporations and housing advocates across New Jersey. The Network was proud to have 15 Network members and staff serve on the Transition Team, including Network Director of Healthy Homes and Communities Kelvin Boddy.

“New Jersey’s housing crisis has been decades in the making, and it will not be solved with half measures,” said Boddy, who served as a member of the Inter-Disciplinary Task Force. “The Transition Team’s report reflects a clear understanding that we must increase the supply of affordable homes, protect renters from displacement, and expand access to homeownership, simultaneously. It was reassuring to see that input from Network staff and board members was taken seriously, particularly about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund’s essential role in producing new homes and the need to preserve and grow it as the state’s primary tool to address the housing crisis. Our neighbors deserve healthy, safe, and affordable homes in communities of their choice.”

The Network praised the report’s strong support for protecting and investing in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), which remains the single largest source of funding for nonprofit affordable housing developers. HouseNJ underscores the importance of safeguarding the AHTF from diversions and ensuring dedicated funding for homes serving low- and moderate-income residents.

“Protecting the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is essential,” added Staci Berger, Network president and chief executive officer. “For nonprofit developers building in communities across the state, the Trust Fund often makes the difference between homes being built or stalling. Dedicated funding ensures we can create homes that working families, seniors, and people with disabilities can actually afford. Housing is a human right, and New Jersey needs a variety of housing choices to meet the needs of all our residents.”

The Network also welcomed the report’s commitment to full implementation of fourth-round Mount Laurel obligations, redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties, zoning reform to promote “missing middle” housing, expanded down payment and first-generation homebuyer assistance, strengthened tenant protections, and investments in homelessness prevention and housing-first strategies.

“These recommendations recognize that preventing displacement is just as important as building new homes,” said Matthew Hersh, vice president of policy and advocacy. “Governor Sherrill made a clear campaign commitment to end diversions of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and that promise is critical to ensuring the Fund remains dedicated to affordable home production. We are excited to work with the Administration and Legislature to protect the Trust Fund and identify new investments in the FY27 budget that will strengthen and grow it as the state’s primary tool to address the housing crisis. New Jersey has made nationally recognized progress in eviction prevention and affordable home production, but we must build on that momentum, especially in the face of unprecedented federal housing cuts.”

The Network emphasized that nonprofit community development corporations are essential partners in delivering results, revitalizing neighborhoods, and ensuring that investments reach the communities that need them most.

“With more than 35 years of experience strengthening communities across the Garden State, our members stand ready to partner with Governor Sherrill and legislative leaders,” Berger said. “We share a common goal: ensuring that every New Jersey resident has access to a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. Now is the time to turn these recommendations into action.”

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 270 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.

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