TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy said local opposition remains the biggest obstacle to expanding affordable housing in New Jersey, calling for a statewide overhaul of zoning and permitting laws to accelerate development.
“The biggest obstacle is ‘not in my backyard,’” Murphy said, referring to local resistance, often called NIMBYism. He pointed to the state’s new affordable housing law, which he signed last year, as a significant step forward but noted it is already facing legal challenges from 15 to 20 municipalities. “I’m highly confident… that we will successfully defend that law,” Murphy added.
Murphy used his State of the State address to call for zoning and permitting reforms, a proposal that was met with resistance even from within his own party. “A mayor, a friend of mine, a Democrat, walked up to me afterwards and said, ‘Easy on me zoning and permitting reforms,’” Murphy said.
The governor also highlighted efforts to expand the use of accessory dwelling units—such as garage apartments and in-law suites—as a way to create more affordable housing. “We think has a lot of appeal… for a parent or grandparent or somebody to rent from you,” Murphy said.
Murphy remains committed to pushing past local opposition to expand affordable housing across the state.
