Policy and Advocacy
The Network works with our members and others statewide to develop the resources and policies needed to ensure that the housing and community development sector continues to expand and thrive, providing families with opportunity and helping to revitalize communities. As part of its education and advocacy mission, the Network works to uncover and analyze barriers to community development, educate members and the public about critical public policy issues, and develop positive policy alternatives. View our current Policy Priorities. Top issues include preserving housing reforms in A.500 and foreclosure prevention.
Rents still out of reach for many New Jerseyans
Network on April 21 released the New Jersey data nfrom the National Low Income Housing. Coalition's annual Out of Reach report on the status of rental housing in the United States. New Jersey is the fifth toughest state for a household to afford to rent a home. See a news article, a press release and Diane Sterner's blog on the issue, the NJ data (in 1, 2 and 3 documents) and the national report. See also video of the press conference featuring the stories of several people victimized by the current high cost of rentals.
Governor signs bill allowing county homeless trust funds
Governor Jon Corzine on Sept. 8 signed the County Homeless Trust Fund bill into law. The Network has long supported this bill and applauds the governor and state lawmakers for taking this important step to combat the dire and increasing problem of homelessness. The bill permits each of the state's 21 counties to set up a trust fund to assist homeless New Jerseyans. Counties would generate revenue for the fund by imposing a $3 surcharge on each document recorded by the county clerk. The money would support programs outlined in that county's 10-year Homeless Plan. The governor also signed a companion bill that allows residents to make voluntary contributions on their tax returns to support community food pantries.
Access a news article on the signing of both bills. Read the homeless trust fund bill in its entirety. Access materials from the Sept. 15 forum on implementing the trust fund.
