Senator Andy Kim Brings Government Leaders, Advocates Together to Tackle New Jersey’s Housing Crisis

Jersey City, NJ – Yesterday, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) was joined by Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour, and affordable housing advocates to discuss New Jersey’s housing crisis and how the Senator’s leadership on the 21st Century Road to Housing Act can support local and county efforts across New Jersey.

Throughout the conversation, participants discussed challenges families, local officials, and other key stakeholders face when trying to find affordable housing solutions. Senator Kim underscored the importance of partnerships, noting how his federal housing efforts could help Hudson County and communities across New Jersey. He and others highlighted the important work being done to convert Hudson County-owned property to create additional affordable housing complexes – a site toured by the participants immediately following the roundtable. Discussion also focused on ways localities are assessing housing needs as pricing continues to skyrocket.

“Everyone at the table is dedicated to the goal of making housing more affordable for New Jerseyans,” said Senator Kim. “We’ve taken real steps at the federal level by passing the Road to Housing Act, but we need to make sure it’s implemented in a way that actually makes an impact. Conversations like these make sure we’re on track and help us work together and sync our efforts on this essential and common goal.”

“Safe, affordable housing is a fundamental human right, yet too many families are being priced out of the very communities they helped build,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I am grateful to Senator Kim, Hudson County Executive Guy, and Mayor Solomon for bringing us together today to tackle these challenges head-on. While there is still more work to do to solve this crisis, I was incredibly proud to vote for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as a meaningful step forward, allowing towns in NJ to finally be able to use CDBG funding for new construction and I will always fight for the resources our families need to stay right here at home.”

“I have been adamant and I remain steadfast that Hudson County government can do something to resolve the housing affordability crisis here in our community. Hudson County is leading the way with our plan to build over 1,000 new homes, including up to 300 new affordable homes on County-owned land near County Plaza,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “Of course, we can’t do this without our partners in municipal, state, and federal government, and I am excited to continuing our work with Senator Kim, Congressman Menendez, the Board of County Commissioners, and Mayor Solomon to put these new programs to work to ensure that people can better afford housing throughout Hudson County.”

“Rents in Jersey City keep climbing faster than paychecks, and the nurses, teachers, and longtime residents who make this city work are being pushed out of the neighborhoods they call home,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon. “We are working at the local level to build more affordable homes and protect tenants, and Senator Kim’s work on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act gives cities like ours faster permitting and new tools to turn empty commercial buildings into places families can afford to live. I’m grateful to the Senator, Congressman Menendez, County Executive Guy, and Mayor Jabbour for their partnership, and I look forward to putting these federal reforms to work for Jersey City.”

“This affordable housing project is about giving families, seniors, and working people the opportunity to put down roots and build their lives right here in Hudson County regardless of their income bracket,” said Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour. “I’m grateful to Hudson County for taking this important step and to Senator Andy Kim for helping bring the resources and partnership needed to make this vision of fully integrated affordable housing possible. When we work together across our communities, we can create more opportunities for our neighbors and make sure Hudson County remains a place where everyone is welcome and can find a home.”

Yesterday’s conversation comes after Congress passed historic, bipartisan housing legislation for the first time in over 25 years. As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Senator Kim led efforts to ensure key legislation that would help New Jersey was included in final passage. New Jersey builders and local officials will now have streamlined permitting reforms for building new houses, access to new programs providing funding to convert old commercial and industrial properties into homes, and new funding to address health hazards of old buildings to allow families to stay in their houses longer.

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