NJ Housing Crisis: Gov. Sherrill’s New Blueprint Double Down on Failure 

The Mount Laurel Doctrine 2.0: What Gov. Sherrill’s Housing Report Means for Your Town

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — New Jersey is at a housing crossroads, and Governor Sherrill’s administration is moving fast. Following the release of a landmark transition team report, the state has a new roadmap to tackle record-high housing costs through bold zoning reforms and the “Mount Laurel” fair housing framework.

After 50 years of the “Mount Laurel” fair housing framework in New Jersey, the Garden State  is on of the most expensive and unafforadable real-estate markets in the country .

After destroying housing affordability with “Mount Laurel”  the Sherrill administration is going to double down. 

After blaming President Trump, housing affordability being the top concern for Garden State voters in 2026, the Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership Action Team has outlined a strategy that could fundamentally change the New Jersey landscape.

The 5 Pillars of the Sherrill Housing Plan

The report offers a “strong affirmation” of New Jersey’s existing fair share laws while introducing aggressive new tactics to create supply:

• Protecting the Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Ensuring dedicated funds actually go toward building homes, not balancing the general budget.

• Transit-Oriented Development: Prioritizing new housing on state-owned land near train stations and bus hubs.

• Repurposing “Stranded Assets”: Converting vacant office parks and “dead malls” into vibrant, affordable residential communities.

• Streamlined Permitting: Reforming local zoning to expedite projects that meet fair share requirements.

• Stronger Tenant Protections: Enhancing eviction prevention efforts to keep families in their current homes.

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“Bold Action” Needed Amid Federal Cuts

Adam Gordon, Executive Director of the Fair Share Housing Center and a member of the transition team, emphasized that the timing is critical.

“Governor Sherrill enters office with a clear understanding that strong enforcement of fair housing laws, sustained funding, and zoning reform are essential,” Gordon stated. “With housing costs at record highs… now is the time for bold action—especially amid unprecedented federal housing cuts.”

The report signals a shift toward “urgency,” aimed at ensuring New Jersey families aren’t priced out of the state by the current affordability crisis.

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