Affordable Housing Advocates!
Middlesex County Hosts Housing Policy Summit to Address Home Affordability
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ—
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.
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.”
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.
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.
For more on housing assistance, visit middlesexcountynj.gov.
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.