Mikie Sherrill Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Affordable Housing Across New Jersey
New directive sets deadlines for statewide housing plan, aiming to cut red tape, expand development, and increase access to affordable homes
TRENTON — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at accelerating housing production and expanding access to affordable housing across New Jersey, launching what her administration describes as a coordinated, “whole-of-government” approach to addressing the state’s housing challenges.
Executive Order No. 17, signed within Sherrill’s first 100 days in office, directs state agencies to align resources and policies to increase housing supply, with a comprehensive housing plan expected by September.
“We can’t make New Jersey more affordable without making housing more affordable,” Sherrill said in a statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026. “With this Executive Order, we are aligning every tool at our disposal to accelerate housing production and make it easier for families to put down roots in the communities they love.”
The initiative comes as rising housing costs continue to impact residents statewide, from working families to seniors and veterans. State leaders say the order is designed to remove barriers to development while leveraging public assets, including underutilized state-owned land.
State Sen. Benjie E. Wimberly, who represents Legislative District 35, said the move reflects longstanding concerns about housing affordability in communities like his.
“I’ve been in this fight for a long time because I see every day how housing costs and instability impact our families,” Wimberly said. “This executive order speaks to our communities and helps move forward the mission of expanding opportunity and access to safe, affordable housing.”
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald added that the state’s housing supply has not kept pace with demand, contributing to a growing affordability crisis.
“By focusing development near transit and adhering to smart-growth principles, we can ensure that our children can put down roots here, our workers can live closer to their jobs, and our communities can evolve strategically and sustainably,” Greenwald said.
The executive order establishes a series of deadlines to guide the process. Within 45 days, the administration will convene a Housing Governing Council, led by the state’s chief operating officer and co-chaired by key agencies including the Department of Community Affairs, the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the Economic Development Authority, and NJ Transit.
Within 60 days, all state agencies will be required to submit housing affordability reports outlining strategies to accelerate development, reduce regulatory hurdles, and improve coordination. These reports will also identify opportunities to build on state-owned land and expand access to affordable housing.
By September, the Housing Governing Council is expected to deliver recommendations addressing five key areas:
- defining statewide housing goals,
- increasing production,
- developing surplus state property,
- coordinating funding and financing, and
- expanding access to affordable housing opportunities.
Jamie Ding of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency said the order represents a meaningful step toward simplifying the development process.
“When we remove unnecessary barriers, we create more opportunities for families to find places to call home,” Ding said.
The administration plans to release its full housing strategy ahead of the Governor’s Housing Conference in the fall, positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of broader efforts to improve affordability and strengthen communities across the state.
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