Statement on DCA release of estimated municipal obligations for affordable housing
TRENTON, NJ—“Today, the starting pistol for good planning went off with a bang,” said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future. “The affordable housing guidance numbers published by the NJ Department of Community Affairs is the signal for municipalities to focus and accelerate good planning that not only meets their affordable housing obligations but creates the opportunity to plan and redevelop their community in a thoughtful and smart way. Everyone in New Jersey deserves an affordable place to live – in a safe, vibrant neighborhood where schools, groceries, and jobs are conveniently within reach, with less driving, and with parks and green spaces nearby. By identifying prime locations for new homes, local officials can also meet their Mount Laurel obligations in ways that strengthen their community for current residents and new neighbors alike.”
Chris Sturm, policy director for Land Use at New Jersey Future also commented on the DCA’s release. “New Jersey should be a place where residents of all ages and stages of life can choose to live in a safe, affordable neighborhood of their choice. But today, too many people don’t have that opportunity. New Jersey has the highest rate of young adults (ages 18 to 34) living with their parents at 43%, compared to a national rate of 32%.1 It also had the fourth-largest net domestic population outflow from 2020 to 2023, with 153,000 more people moving out of New Jersey to other states than moving in. We applaud local leaders who are working hard to create ‘win-win’ plans to accommodate new homes.”
1 2023 one-year American Community Survey
