Housing Advocates Hold Informational Leaflet, Urge Immediate Action to Restore the Affordable Housing Trust Fund at Governor’s Conference

9/16/2025

As housing leaders, developers, and policymakers gather today at the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, members and staff of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) held an informational leaflet event, urging the Murphy Administration and the Legislature to restore the remaining $80 million that was diverted from the state’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the FY2026 budget.

Advocates and nonprofit housing leaders highlighted two key proposals under consideration in the 2025-09-16 12:36:23 Legislature:

  • Restoration Funding: Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (D-Essex) has introduced legislation to restore $125 million to the Trust Fund.

  • Dedicated Revenue Source: Senator Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic) and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer) have introduced a bill dedicating at least half of the new “Mansion Tax” revenue to the Trust Fund, ensuring a long-term, sustainable source of funding for affordable homes.

“At a time when pundits are calling for the murder of homeless people, we do not have one minute to waste to address NJ’s housing crisis. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the most important tools nonprofit developers have to create and preserve homes that all NJ families can afford,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the Network. “We need to create homes, keep residents safe from eviction and homelessness. These resources must be restored as soon as possible, so that we can keep our communities strong and ensure all of our neighbors can afford to call New Jersey home.”

In addition to the leafletting, Network staff are featured on two key panels at the conference:

  • Increasing Affordable Housing Options for Low-Income Families featuring Berger

  • Equity and Inclusion in Housing Development: Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities featuring Network Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Matthew Hersh

NJ is the 7th most expensive place to rent an apartment and foreclosure rates are climbing. At the same time, resources to help keep people safely and stably housed are dwindling. Restoring the Housing Trust Fund is a critical step toward building a healthier, more equitable New Jersey. The Network calls on Gov. Murphy and lawmakers to act swiftly and support these measures to build the homes New Jersey’s residents need and deserve.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 270 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.