This bill amends the current law regarding affordable housing obligations for municipalities in New Jersey by requiring that these obligations be based on a Statewide need rather than a regional one. Specifically, it redefines the term "housing region" to encompass the entire State, mandating that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) calculate affordable housing needs on a Statewide basis. As a result, municipal obligations for affordable housing will be determined according to this comprehensive assessment of need, rather than the previously established regional calculations.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement these changes effectively. This includes adjusting existing timelines set forth in the "Fair Housing Act" to ensure that the new Statewide approach to affordable housing needs is put into practice as quickly as possible. The overall aim of the bill is to address the pressing issue of affordable housing in New Jersey by ensuring that municipal obligations reflect a broader understanding of housing needs across the entire State.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-304, 52:27D-304.2