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Committee advances bill to create statewide directory of affordable, senior and veterans housing
Summary
S1277 / A3363 would require municipalities to submit quarterly information on affordable housing, senior and veterans housing to the Department of Community Affairs for a centralized directory; DCA would reimburse municipalities for compliance costs.
The Assembly Housing Committee approved amendments and released S1277/A3363, legislation that would require municipalities to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) listing affordable housing units as well as housing units for senior citizens and veterans. The bill also directs DCA to reimburse municipalities for costs incurred in complying with the reporting requirement.
Committee staff said the intent is to create a centralized, searchable directory to make it easier for residents to find and apply for affordable or specialized housing. Jeff Kolakowski and other witnesses representing the residential construction industry testified in favor of a centralized directory, describing the current process as fragmented and often reliant on local notices placed in newspapers and town halls.
Kolakowski described the directory as a consumer-friendly tool that could reduce administrative costs and improve access: "Until recently, my members were still putting listings for affordable housing in newspapers... I don't know what person who's looking for affordable housing is still looking for it in a newspaper," he said, urging state investment or use of the affordable housing trust fund to seed the project.
Committee members welcomed the inclusion of veterans housing and the goal of streamlining access for seniors. Vice Chair Moen and other members noted the potential to connect a state directory with federal resources for veterans and accessibility features for residents with mobility or vision impairments.
On a motion to amend and release S1277/A3363, the committee recorded unanimous yes votes from Assemblywoman Flynn, Assemblyman Clifton, Assemblyman Abdel Aziz, Assemblywoman Keanu, Vice Chair Moen, and Chair Lopez. The committee released the bill with instructions to coordinate on implementation details and funding sources.
Witnesses and members flagged implementation costs and urged DCA to define a timeline, data format and reimbursement method for municipalities. The committee noted potential use of the affordable housing trust fund or budgeted seed money to create a statewide online directory.
