Requires HMFA to assume administration of affirmative marketing for affordable housing and reduces municipal responsibility.
One of the notable impacts of A5871 is the reduction of responsibilities traditionally held by municipalities regarding the affirmative marketing of affordable housing. Under this bill, municipal entities will no longer be required to administer these marketing plans, which could streamline processes but may also lead to concerns about local oversight. The bill stipulates specific requirements for owners, developers, and property managers regarding how they must communicate availability and lottery processes for affordable units.
A5871 is a legislative bill introduced in the New Jersey Assembly by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson aimed at enhancing the management of affordable housing marketing plans. The bill mandates that the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) take over the administration and responsibility for affirmative marketing plans concerning affordable housing units. This significant shift places the HMFA at the forefront of coordinating and implementing marketing strategies that will facilitate the leasing or sale of these units to eligible households.
The introduction of A5871 can spark debate among local and state officials, particularly concerning the balance of control between state and local governance. Supporters may argue that centralizing marketing responsibilities with the HMFA could lead to enhanced effectiveness and consistency in how affordable housing opportunities are presented to the public. Conversely, critics may argue that this diminishes local control and could impede tailored approaches that reflect community-specific needs, potentially leading to resistance from local governments that value their role in housing administration.