By Joshua Burd
Leaders of the state’s main commercial and multifamily real estate organizations are embracing the chance for a fresh start under Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, seeking to tackle everything from housing costs to energy policy when she takes office in early 2026.
Real Estate NJ asked each association to set the stage after Sherrill’s convincing win in Tuesday’s election and outline some of their top policy priorities under the new administration.
David Brogan – executive director, New Jersey Apartment Association
“We want to congratulate Congresswoman Sherrill on her impressive gubernatorial victory.
“New Jersey is experiencing a significant supply-demand imbalance in both for-sale and rental housing. We believe that Gov.-elect Sherrill outlined a bold vision for increasing New Jersey’s housing supply by streamlining state and local permitting, converting office and commercial buildings into mixed-use and mixed-income housing and increasing investment in workforce housing.
“NJAA looks forward to working with the governor-elect as a partner in our collective efforts to meet the housing needs of New Jerseyans.”
Dan Kennedy – CEO, NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s New Jersey chapter
“Congratulations, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill. New Jersey voters have spoken clearly about who they want to lead the state. NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Association — NJ Chapter looks forward to continuing the conversation about our industry’s role as a vital economic engine, our commitment to responsible development and how supporting commercial real estate progress is essential to ensuring the state’s bright future — with these priorities in mind:
- Resetting how the state engages with the CRE community
- Revisiting relevant state and local regulations
- Reconstructing New Jersey’s energy policy
- Continuing to improve programs that incentivize development and redevelopment
- Accelerating infrastructure investment
- Supporting voluntary sustainability initiatives
- Advancing education and training programs
“We have a lot to do, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and work alongside you, Governor Sherrill!
Jeff Kolakowski – CEO, New Jersey Builders Association
“NJBA congratulates Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill on her election and applauds her recognition that New Jersey must urgently confront its affordability crisis. The increased cost of living and the shortage of affordable housing options were top of mind for voters, and these issues are only going to grow more central to our political dialogue. We hope our elected officials heed this call for action and get to work immediately on plans to address our housing crisis so that our residents can begin to experience some relief and economic opportunity. New Jersey needs to reform the systemic issues that have resulted in our current predicament where crippling costs, home rule and long development timetables stand in the way of our state achieving a healthy housing ecosystem.”
