New affordable housing regulations will require cities to submit plans outlining how they will meet housing demand in their jurisdictions.

New affordable housing laws go into effect in New Jersey starting in January 2025, promising major changes to affordable housing development in the state.
As Kimberly Izar explains in Next City, “In March, Governor Murphy signed a bill that amends the state’s fair housing laws to increase affordable housing and strengthen enforcement of the Mount Laurel Doctrine, a constitutional mandate first set by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1975.”
The law is similar to California’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which calculates how much housing cities need to build to meet demand and requires them to submit plans for how they will create sufficient affordable housing. Cities impacted by the doctrine could see more diverse housing types and multi-family buildings, which could help make housing more affordable for low- and moderate-income families.
The state budget, meanwhile, includes a $10 million investment in boosting accessory dwelling units. “The recent piece of legislation will distribute up to $1 million to at least 10 towns or cities ready to increase accessory dwelling units.”
FULL STORY: New Jersey’s New Affordable Housing Rules Will Soon Take Effect. Here’s What’s Next.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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