NJ Affordable Housing Development: Executive Order Strives to Reduce Barriers
Authored by: Jacqueline Fusco, Frank Cherena, PG, LEP, WEDG, & Majda Rabah, PhD, PE, LSRP
Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order (EO) No. 17 on Monday, April 27, 2026, championing ongoing policy initiatives designed to ensure sustainable housing affordability over the long term, and to make the statewide shortage of more than 200,000 affordable homes a top priority for New Jersey. With this EO, affordable housing developers in New Jersey can expect expanded access to underutilized state-owned properties and coordinated funding/financing, along with a streamlined state approvals process designed to reduce pre-construction costs and accelerate permitting.
The EO creates the Housing Governing Council (HGC), to be launched by June 11, 2026 (within 45 days of the EO’s date) and chaired by the state’s Chief Operating Officer and co-chaired by the state Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Economic Development Authority, and NJ Transit, among others.
The HGC is tasked with evaluating housing issues, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and guiding policy recommendations. Immediate actions for the HGC dictated by the EO include:
- Preparing a comprehensive housing plan.
- Establishing a process for streamlining regulatory processes and land review.
- Facilitating the submission of a required housing affordability report (within 60 days).
The EO also mandates the HGC to issue recommendations by September 24, 2026 (within 150 days of the EO’s date) to achieve the following:
- Establishing clear housing goals.
- Monitoring and accelerating housing production.
- Developing underutilized and surplus state-owned properties into housing.
- Streamlining funding and financing for housing development.
- Expanding access to affordable housing through inventory and implementation of strategies to increase availability.
What does this mean for real estate developers?
Increased Development Opportunities: Through the identification of underutilized state-owned property and coordinated funding and financing opportunities identified by the HGC, land availability and financial assurance will increase the benefits for developers focusing on affordable housing development.
Reduced Regulatory Hurdles: Governor Sherrill is dedicated to cutting the red tape across the board at the state level and providing a more integrated approach to obtaining development approvals from the State of New Jersey, which will cut upfront pre-construction costs and support expedited timelines for permit acquisition for housing development.
What can Roux do to help?
Roux is well-positioned to support environmental remediation and permitting, bringing decades of expertise to navigate developers through the regulatory regime and capitalize on the new State policies. The professional staff at Roux has extensive experience providing timely and cost-effective consulting services to the real estate industry, particularly at brownfield sites. Our use of strategic planning and negotiation during site redevelopment focuses on completing the work in minimal time, thereby saving costs. We produce a cleanup outcome that is consistent with intended future use of a property, quickly turning sites into much-needed affordable housing.
Roux’s permitting specialists are well-versed in New Jersey land use regulations, with proven expertise in the particular hurdles presented to multi-family development within regulated areas. With offices in New Jersey for over 35 years, Roux has assisted our clients on hundreds of sites with their land use permitting and mitigation needs.
Although the need for permits and mitigation of impacted ecological resources can be costly and time-consuming, through Roux’s expertise and established relationships with regulators, we have the skills to guide you through the process as seamlessly as possible. From site selection to remediation and construction, we offer support and guidance tailored to your needs. Please contact our team below to discuss opportunities presented by EO No. 17.
