New Jersey Senate Bill S2767

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/26/22
• Refer: 5/26/22

Caption

Appropriates $500 million in federal funds to DCA to support affordable housing development and establishes Affordable Housing Production Fund in HMFA.

Impact

The establishment of the Affordable Housing Production Fund is intended to directly address New Jersey's affordable housing crisis by facilitating financial assistance for municipalities that fulfill their housing obligations as set forth by the Fair Housing Act. The inclusion of affirmative action elements—such as the requirement for developers to demonstrate a diverse workforce—serves both to enhance equity in development practices and to ensure that funds foster economic opportunities among underrepresented groups. Moreover, the requirement to reserve 30% of funds for projects in specific socio-economic zones underlines a targeted approach to combat poverty and enhance living conditions in disadvantaged areas.

Summary

Senate Bill S2767, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to create the Affordable Housing Production Fund by appropriating $500 million in federal funds. This fund is designed to support the development of 100-percent affordable housing projects in municipalities that comply with housing obligation agreements. The bill outlines mechanisms for the fund's administration, prioritizing municipalities prepared to collaborate with developers who meet specific workforce diversity criteria, including employment from female, labor union, or racial and ethnic minority groups.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote inclusivity and address housing shortages, it may face opposition from stakeholders who argue that prioritizing developers based on workforce demographics could complicate and hinder the process of getting projects approved. Critics may contend that such stipulations could lead to reduced efficiency and potential biases against competent developers who do not meet these criteria irrespective of their merits. Additionally, the bill's reliance on federal funds may lead to scrutiny regarding long-term sustainability, especially concerning the administrative costs associated with managing the program.