Debra Tantleff has been re-elected as Chair of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA) for a second term. The election took place during the Board of Directors meeting on January 28th at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. NJBA is a prominent trade association in New Jersey's housing industry, consisting of builders, developers, remodelers, and other professionals focused on addressing the state's housing needs.
Jeff Kolakowski, CEO of NJBA, expressed his enthusiasm about Tantleff's re-election: “I’m excited to be welcoming Ms. Tantleff back for a second term following a very successful first year under her leadership. She was instrumental in helping our association advance policies to address the undersupply of housing in our state.”
Tantleff is the Founding Principal of TANTUM Real Estate and has been involved with NJBA for over two decades. Her roles have included Co-Chair of the Mixed Use Developers group and Vice Chair of the Builders PAC. She is recognized as an advocate and leader within the industry and was recently honored by Executive Women of New Jersey at their Salute to Policy Makers gala.
During her tenure, Tantleff has overseen significant legislative and regulatory progress, including plan review reform and home improvement contractor licensing initiatives. The passage of the 4th round affordable housing law in 2024 marked a step forward in tackling New Jersey's housing crisis. However, systemic issues remain.
Tantleff remarked on her re-election: “I am pleased to be elected to a second term at a time when New Jersey is starting to make progress on housing policy reform. NJBA continues to be an advocate for policy changes that would allow for accessory dwelling units, stranded asset conversion and reduced parking standards, and we look forward to working with the Legislature and Administration over the coming year to address their mutual goals of affordability and to revive New Jersey’s housing market.”
The meeting concluded with a discussion led by Tantleff featuring Senators Vin Gopal (D-11) and Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), both from Monmouth County. The conversation covered topics such as home rule impacts and proposed changes to DEP regulations.
