Bill > A2390

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to prioritize municipalities in competitive grant processes if they have demonstrated compliance with affordable housing obligations. During the first five years of a new affordable housing round, municipalities can receive priority consideration if they obtained compliance certification in the prior round, did not rely on builder's remedy litigation, entered into a housing settlement agreement, issued certificates of occupancy for affordable units, and meet other relevant factors determined by DCA. After five years, municipalities can receive priority if they have obtained current round compliance certification and made substantial progress on their housing obligations. Qualified Urban Aid municipalities exempt from prospective affordable housing needs will automatically meet these requirements. The bill specifically applies to programs like the Main Street New Jersey Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program, but excludes grants directly related to fulfilling fair share housing obligations. This legislation aims to incentivize and reward municipalities that actively work to meet their affordable housing requirements by providing them enhanced access to state financial assistance.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A2390