New Jersey, October 16, 2025
During recent election discussions, New Jersey candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill outlined their plans to address the state’s housing crisis. Both candidates emphasized the importance of increasing affordable housing units through incentives and zoning reforms, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families amidst rising costs. Their proposals reflect a commitment to tackling the housing challenges faced by many residents in New Jersey.
Trenton, NJ – In the past 48 hours, New Jersey gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill have outlined their plans to address the state’s housing crisis, focusing on increasing affordable housing units through various incentives and reforms.
Jack Ciattarelli’s Plan
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has proposed a comprehensive 10-point affordability agenda aimed at reversing what he describes as decades of failed Democratic policies. His plan includes:
- Cutting and capping property taxes
- Overhauling the state’s school funding formula
- Eliminating subsidies tied to offshore wind and climate initiatives
- Slashing corporate and income taxes
- Withdrawing New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
- Attracting college graduates to stay in-state by refunding tuition differences
- Installing an Auditor General to root out waste and fraud
- Modernizing state government with a Chief Technology Officer
- Implementing a four-week “cooling off” period for state budgets to allow public review before votes
- Restoring Regional Contribution Agreements to direct housing obligations and investment toward urban centers and transit hubs
Ciattarelli argues that the current state-mandated development scheme is leading to overdevelopment, loss of open space, increased pollution, and rising property taxes. He advocates for a more balanced approach that focuses on urban revitalization and environmental preservation.
Mikie Sherrill’s Plan
Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill has introduced the INCREASE Housing Affordability Act, aiming to boost New Jersey’s housing supply and lower costs for families. Key components of her plan include:
- Providing federal tax credits for projects that convert underutilized commercial and office spaces into affordable residential units
- Offering federal technical assistance to municipalities to identify and advance promising commercial-to-residential conversion opportunities
- Investing in solar and nuclear energy to lower utility costs
- Addressing the affordability crisis by making it easier to convert underused industrial properties into housing and transit-oriented development
Sherrill emphasizes the need to balance housing development with environmental considerations, aiming to lower rental and mortgage costs while preserving open spaces and reducing environmental impact.
Background Context
The housing crisis in New Jersey has been a longstanding issue, with a significant shortage of affordable housing units. Both candidates acknowledge the challenges posed by high property taxes, rising utility costs, and the need for sustainable development. Their proposals reflect differing approaches to balancing development with environmental preservation and economic growth.
FAQ
What is Jack Ciattarelli’s plan to address New Jersey’s housing crisis?
Jack Ciattarelli has proposed a 10-point affordability agenda that includes cutting and capping property taxes, overhauling the state’s school funding formula, eliminating subsidies tied to offshore wind and climate initiatives, slashing corporate and income taxes, withdrawing New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, attracting college graduates to stay in-state by refunding tuition differences, installing an Auditor General to root out waste and fraud, modernizing state government with a Chief Technology Officer, implementing a four-week “cooling off” period for state budgets to allow public review before votes, and restoring Regional Contribution Agreements to direct housing obligations and investment toward urban centers and transit hubs.
What is Mikie Sherrill’s plan to address New Jersey’s housing crisis?
Mikie Sherrill has introduced the INCREASE Housing Affordability Act, which provides federal tax credits for projects that convert underutilized commercial and office spaces into affordable residential units, offers federal technical assistance to municipalities to identify and advance promising commercial-to-residential conversion opportunities, invests in solar and nuclear energy to lower utility costs, and addresses the affordability crisis by making it easier to convert underused industrial properties into housing and transit-oriented development.
How do the candidates’ plans differ?
Ciattarelli’s plan focuses on reducing taxes and subsidies, withdrawing from environmental initiatives, and restoring agreements to direct housing obligations toward urban centers. Sherrill’s plan emphasizes federal incentives for converting commercial spaces into affordable housing, investing in renewable energy, and balancing development with environmental preservation.
Chart: Key Features of Ciattarelli and Sherrill’s Housing Plans
| Feature | Jack Ciattarelli | Mikie Sherrill |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Reform | Cut and cap property taxes | Not specified |
| School Funding | Overhaul funding formula | Not specified |
| Environmental Initiatives | Eliminate subsidies, withdraw from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative | Invest in solar and nuclear energy |
| Housing Development | Restore Regional Contribution Agreements, focus on urban centers | Convert commercial spaces to affordable housing, support transit-oriented development |
| Tax Policy | Slash corporate and income taxes | Not specified |
| Government Modernization | Install Auditor General, Chief Technology Officer | Not specified |
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Author: Construction NJ News
NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER The NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnjnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Jersey and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New Jersey Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey and the New Jersey Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Gibbons P.C. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
