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100 Public Officials Support Effort to Build a Thriving NJ September 14, 2017 One hundred elected officials and public agencies from across the state have signed on to urge the State of New Jersey to deploy $600 million annually into a strategic set of programmatic investments. Housing advocates and community developers are promoting the investment as an economic revitalization tool. “To turn our economy around, we are urging NJ leaders, including current officials and others running to serve, to sign on to Build a Thriving NJ,” said Blair Schleicher Bravo, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity. “This annual investment will help recharge the economy by making sure businesses can locate in places where workers can afford to live. If we can’t afford to live here, we can’t get our economy back on track.” The campaign, Build a Thriving New Jersey, urges the next leaders of the state to commit to investing $600 million annually to create affordable homes. Housing advocates point to ten specific State investments and programs that will help “build a thriving NJ,” including the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the State Rental Assistance Program, the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program (NRTC), Lead Poisoning Prevention and Weatherization, Homeless Service Programs and others. The vast majority of the state programs have experienced significant decreases or complete elimination in funding over the last decade. Endorsements for Build a Thriving New Jersey include state legislators, mayors, city councils, housing authorities, county freeholders and other public officials. Among the list of endorsers are: City of Bridgeton Mayor, the Honorable Albert B. Kelly; Former Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-34); Britnee Timberlake, Freeholder President, Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders; the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders; Senator Nellie Pou (D-35); Senator Brian Stack (D-33); Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-22); City of New Brunswick Mayor, the Honorable James M. Cahill and City Council; City of Jersey City Council; Ewing Township Council; Highland Park Housing Authority; and the Township of Maplewood Governing Body. “We thank all the elected officials, organizations, and individuals who signed on in support of Build a Thriving NJ,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ. “This is a plan that creates jobs, boosts economic activity, and lifts every NJ resident so that our state can thrive and be a place we can all afford to call home.” To learn more about Build a Thriving New Jersey and view a complete listing of endorsements, visit www.hcdnnj.org/BuildaThrivingNJ. About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ For more information: Nina Arce |
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