Page 18 - RE-NJ

16 MARCH 2026
SENTIMENT SHIFT
Encouraged by new Sherrill administration, NJBA sees
clearer path to expanded housing production, affordability
By Joshua Burd
It’s early, but the New Jersey
Builders Association can’t help
but be encouraged.
The prominent trade association,
which represents residential
developers, contractors and other
professionals, said a new face in
Trenton has brought a new dose of
optimism to an industry that’s weary
from rising costs and regulatory
burdens. That was true even before
Gov. Mikie Sherrill took the oath
of office in late January, when
she homed in on affordability and
efficiency in government as part
of a well-organized, business-like
transition plan that she has carried
into the Statehouse.
“We’re very optimistic about what
we’ve seen
from her,” Jeff
Kolakowski,
the builders
association’s
CEO, said in
an interview in
late February.
He added:
Jeff Kolakowski
“We feel like
policymakers are aware of the
challenges that the state faces
due to a lack of housing supply. I
think they’re getting serious about
looking at ways to increase housing
production here.”
Chris Amato, NJBA’s board chair,
added: “Affordability is top of
mind, and it’s both in what we can
produce as a state, but also those
peripheral costs that are driving up
the cost of homes, whether you’re
talking about renovation or new
homes. The permitting process
and the soft costs of construction
are major impediments for
builders across the state, so any
kind of efficiencies we can find in
permitting and inspections are a big
win … at the end of the day.”
It’s the backdrop for NJBA’s annual
Atlantic Builders Convention, which
starts March 24 and will once again
draw thousands to the Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City
for the housing industry’s premier
trade show and networking and
education event. And it comes
amid other potential tailwinds for
development, including the ongoing
rollout of a law meant to expand