Governor Sherrill Launches Statewide Housing Initiative Through Executive Order 17

On April 27th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 17, launching a statewide effort to address New Jersey’s housing affordability challenges by increasing housing production, improving coordination among state agencies, and identifying opportunities to streamline development and permitting processes. The Executive Order establishes a Housing Governing Council and directs state agencies to review existing programs, regulations, permitting processes, and state-owned properties to identify opportunities to support additional housing development and improve coordination across government. The Administration is expected to release a broader housing plan later this year focused on increasing housing supply, improving affordability, encouraging redevelopment, and reducing barriers to housing production.

“Housing affordability is one of New Jersey’s most significant challenges, and increasing housing opportunities will require coordination across multiple agencies and levels of government,” said NJBA CEO Jeff Kolakowski. “Executive Order 17 recognizes that permitting, infrastructure, land use, environmental review, and economic development policies all play a role in housing production. We appreciate the Administration’s focus on improving coordination and look forward to working collaboratively on solutions that help create more housing opportunities for New Jersey residents.” NJBA supports efforts to improve permitting efficiency, encourage redevelopment, reduce unnecessary barriers to housing production, and expand housing opportunities for New Jersey residents.