The Murphy Administration has announced the allocation of over $26 million to support affordable housing projects throughout New Jersey. The funding, provided through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), is managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This initiative aims to offer financial assistance for affordable housing across various communities in the state.
Governor Phillip Murphy emphasized his commitment to making living in New Jersey more affordable, stating, “At the start of our Administration, I made a pledge, along with the late Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, to retool the state’s affordable housing system to make living in New Jersey more affordable for our hardworking residents. The award of more than $26 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the most recent example of that pledge in action.” He reiterated that efforts will continue until all working families have access to safe and affordable homes.
DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez highlighted the administration's dedication to addressing affordable housing shortages: “The Murphy Administration has empowered the Department of Community Affairs with both the commitment and the funding to address the shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey.” She noted that each project represents a contemporary and accessible home where families can thrive, contributing to neighborhood strengthening and economic growth.
The awards focus on smaller rental and homeownership projects with 25 or fewer units, which typically face financing challenges. These projects are intended to fill gaps within existing frameworks and add value to neighborhoods while being developed by community-based organizations familiar with local housing equity issues.
AHTF grants are distributed through three funds:
- The Municipal Settlement Fund assists municipalities in creating small-scale projects within their neighborhoods.
- The Neighborhood Partnerships Fund supports development in Qualified Urban Aid Towns, leveraging existing resources.
- The Innovation Fund aids creative projects that align with New Jersey’s housing goals but do not fit under other fund categories.
Additionally, support was given to the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey's Jumpstart Program, which provides training for developers focusing on quality, affordable housing production. This program targets nonprofit community developers, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), aiming at closing racial wealth gaps through homeownership development.
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is managed by DCA's Division of Housing and Community Resources. Their mission includes strengthening communities via affordable housing delivery and supportive services.
DCA offers numerous programs such as local government management, rental assistance, fire safety measures, disaster recovery services, historic preservation initiatives, community planning efforts, and information privacy protections.
