News Update: September 5, 2025 - Affordable Housing

Today’s developments in the realm of affordable housing span state funding initiatives and municipal policy battles.

New Jersey Launches $45 Million Affordable Housing Funding The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs opened its Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Housing Trust Fund application window today, making $35 million available for 10-20 projects statewide and an additional $10 million earmarked for Habitat for Humanity developments. Municipalities and both for-profit and nonprofit developers may apply through October 3, 2025, to advance affordable housing opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods and support working families. Governor Phil Murphy lauded the investment as “a step in the right direction of fulfilling our affordable housing goals for New Jersey,” while DCA Commissioner Suárez emphasized the program’s role in creating quality homes and driving economic growth across the state.

New York City Board of Elections May Block Ballot Measures on Housing In New York City, the Elections Board is poised to prevent three proposed charter amendments on affordable housing from appearing on the November ballot. The measures-aimed at expanding tenant protections and requiring new developments to include more permanently affordable units-are opposed by the City Council, which appointed the Board. If the Board follows through, voters will be barred from weighing in on these changes, igniting a legal and political battle over how the city addresses its housing shortage and affordability crisis.