By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that in the wake of the most significant changes to New Jersey’s affordable housing legislation in four decades, Middlesex County’s Office of Human Services volunteer advocacy group, the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), invited experts, municipal leaders, and non-profit groups from the housing community to clarify the new law and discuss how it will change the affordable housing landscape in the region.
The Middlesex County HSAC, which advocates on behalf of residents with the State of New Jersey and Middlesex County, convened stakeholders and policy experts to forge a deep and uniform understanding of the new changes to affordable housing in New Jersey to implement them more efficiently, officials said.
Officials say the HSAC Housing Policy Summit included presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to collaborate, identify how the housing landscape will change, and scope out how governments, advocacy groups, and businesses must respond to the new law.
“As a County, we understand the importance of bringing together leaders and experts to find real solutions,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Through these partnerships and open dialogues, we can make a meaningful impact. We must seize this opportunity to strengthen our strategies, enhance our policies, and ensure that every resident has access to safe, affordable housing.”
“As chair of Middlesex County’s Community Services Committee, I believe today’s summit offers a tremendous opportunity to learn more about New Jersey’s new affordable housing law,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber.
“So many people in our community, and across the U.S., are struggling. Having a safe place to call home is vital, and the work housing officials do daily makes a difference for those families and individuals who need a helping hand.”
“New Jersey is facing an affordable housing crisis, and I am glad that the Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Council has taken the proactive steps to ensure our municipal partners and housing advocates are prepared for the new landscape under A4,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19).
“In order for the 4th Round to be the most productive one yet, we need to ensure that our partners understand the new legislation and processes that are now law so that generations of New Jersey families will access the housing they deserve and need.”
“Today’s Housing Policy Summit was organized as an opportunity to understand the landscape of housing in New Jersey and discuss important updates on the process by which municipal affordable housing obligations are calculated and settled in our state,” said HSAC President Robert LaForgia.
“Access to safe and affordable housing is one of the most important needs in the County, and I hope that today’s conference gave attendees an understanding of the new law and its practical applications.”
According to officials, America is facing an affordable housing crisis that impacts urban and suburban areas. Over the past few decades, home and rent prices have increased substantially, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, more Americans are struggling to find affordable homes, officials stated.
Middlesex County is taking proactive steps to address this issue by coalescing leaders in the housing space and funding programs to get people into temporary housing, particularly low-income families and veterans, officials said.