DCA Releases Affordable Housing Calculations

DCA published its non-binding calculations of municipalities’ present and prospective need for affordable housing using a formula, and by the deadline, established in P.L 2024, chapter 2, a law that Governor Murphy signed in March 2024. DCA carefully analyzed the data sources contained in the law and produced an analysis that provides a fair and accurate assessment of each municipality's affordable housing responsibilities. The DCA calculations serve as guidance for municipalities as they plan for affordable housing development during the next decade.

The Department’s publication of the calculations by the October 20, 2024 deadline reflects its commitment to providing all 564 municipalities with the data, information, and support they need to meet their affordable housing responsibilities under the law. The calculations give municipalities and developers more certainty, which enables smarter planning around where housing should be built.

The affordable housing calculations can be found HERE.

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Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS) 

The Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS) launched on Friday, September 6, 2024. Reporting required by P.L. 2024, c.2 for completed affordable housing units and municipal affordable housing trust funds may resume under the new system.

Senate Bill No. 3385 was signed into law by Governor Murphy on July 10, 2024. The new law provides that municipalities that are authorized to retain and expend non-residential affordable housing development fees have 180 days following the March 20, 2024 enactment of P.L.2024, c.2 to provide DCA with an accounting of non-residential fees and residential affordable housing development fees that have been collected and expended since the inception of the municipal authorization to collect and retain the fees. The revision to the law harmonizes the reporting requirements for non-residential fees and residential-development-fee reporting requirements set forth in the new law. 

All authorized users established by each municipality under the retired CTM application will be carried forward and automatically provided with the same user permissions in the new system.

Anyone seeking authorization for the first time must receive municipal approval before being granted access to the system. If a new user seeks authorization, municipal clerks will first be notified and asked to confirm that the requested access is authorized. Upon authorization, the Office of Local Planning Services staff at DCA will be notified and move the authorized user into the system.

If you have any questions, please contact LPSmail@dca.nj.gov.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund Surpasses $108 Million in Awards

DCA recently announced that more than $108 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations and developers across the state through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) since the start of the Murphy Administration. The fund is administered by DCA and provides financial assistance for developing different types of affordable housing projects to create stronger, fairer communities in which people can afford to live.

DCA has awarded AHTF funding to 44 projects, helping to create and preserve 939 affordable housing units. This number includes 153 affordable homeownership opportunities.

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Four Districts Added to the Main Street New Jersey Program

The Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) Program is an initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting the revitalization of downtown business districts throughout the state. Downtown districts in Princeton (Mercer County), Plainfield (Union County), Millburn (Essex County), and Haddonfield (Camden County) now have the Main Street designation, which allows them to receive technical assistance and training in how to strengthen their main streets as centers of community and economic activity.  

These new designations bring the total number of districts to 29 throughout New Jersey.

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$6 Million Available for Next Round of Shared Services Grant Funding

The DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications for $6 million in available funding through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) that was allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget. 

LEAP grants, which DLGS administers, provide financial assistance to local government entities such as counties, municipalities, school districts, authorities, and fire districts across the State of New Jersey to identify, study, and implement shared services initiatives. The program is aimed at encouraging towns to streamline their government services to increase efficiency and help save taxpayer dollars.

Click the above video to learn more about shared services from Governor Murphy.

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DCA Now Accepting Applications for the School Regionalization Efficiency Program

The DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications from public school districts and eligible governing bodies for School Regionalization Efficiency Program (SREP) funding. The grant program covers eligible costs associated with feasibility studies that explore how school districts could merge, including forming countywide and regional school districts, and if a potential merger would result in cost savings or other efficiencies and benefits to students and taxpayers.

New Jersey boards of education of local school districts, consolidated school districts, and non-operating school districts, and boards of education of a limited purpose or all-purpose regional districts are eligible to apply for grant funding. Governing bodies of school districts that do not have a board of education, or a municipality constituting part of a consolidated school district, and the governing body of a municipality constituting a constituent district of a limited purpose or all-purpose regional district, are also eligible to receive SREP grant funding.

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$20 Million Available for Local Recreation Improvement Grants Program

The DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications from counties, municipalities, and school districts for funding for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program. The Murphy Administration allocated $20 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget to this competitive grant program, which is now in its fifth year supporting the improvement and repair of public recreation facilities, including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.

LRIG funds will be awarded to successful grant applicants to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities; one-time personnel costs directly related to improvements; project development professional services costs; equipment costs including playground and recreation facilities equipment; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.

New Jersey counties, municipalities, and school districts are eligible to apply.

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DCA Has a New Programs Book

DCA launched a new DCA Programs Book, a tool that includes the various resources and program opportunities available through the Department, dependent on funding availability. DCA provides a diverse range of programs and services that respond to issues of public concern in New Jersey. The Programs Book will assist residents, local governments, and private partners in easily accessing program and staffing information to address their needs. 

Access the Programs Book in English and Spanish.

DCA Launched New and Improved Data Hub

DCA launched a new and improved version of the Data Hub. The Hub is an online portal offering easy access to DCA’s public information, such as data on local government, fire safety, housing, amusement rides, licenses and registrations, and disaster recovery. The new Data Hub, for the first time, enables users to find relevant datasets and resources by entering a search term. Users can also browse for datasets by categories, such as housing, economic development, taxes, and local government, as well as filter datasets by type and category.

Visit the Data Hub.

Municipalities Must Have Rental Properties Inspected for Lead-Based Paint Hazards

DCA is reminding municipalities that P.L. 2021, c.182 requires inspections for lead-based paint hazards to be performed on certain pre-1978 single-family, two-family, and multi-family rental dwellings. Municipalities that have a local construction enforcement office are required to perform the inspections themselves, and municipalities that do not must contract with a vendor that is certified by DCA for the inspections. Municipalities can submit inspection documentation through the online portal by visiting the Municipal Lead Reporting Portal.

Developers Can Apply for $95M to Build ‘Healthy Homes’ for NJ FamilyCare Members



Developers can apply for funding to provide affordable housing for NJ FamilyCare members.



Under the Healthy Homes partnership, the $95 million available will be used to produce up to 200 low-rent housing units for NJ FamilyCare members who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living in an institution. NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey’s Medicaid program.

DCA Roadshow Series Visits Plainfield, Madison, Camden, and Atlantic City

This summer, DCA embarked on a roadshow series designed to build its brand and strengthen partnerships with its community stakeholders. This initiative was aimed to enhance the visibility of the Department's services and programs, ensuring that residents across the state, through its community partners, are well-informed about the resources available to them. By traveling to various cities and towns, the roadshow brought the Department's offerings directly to the communities it serves, making it easier for them to engage with and benefit from these services.

At each stop, the roadshow featured presentations by DCA on its programs, services, and key priorities for the remainder of this administration. There was also a Q&A session with Department representatives and invited guests. These events provided a platform for community partners to ask questions, share their concerns, and receive personalized assistance. Additionally, the roadshows highlighted hot topics such as affordable housing, shared services, disaster recovery, and lead-paint hazard remediation and abatement, as well as success stories and case studies that demonstrate the positive impact of the Department's work. The roadshows provided an opportunity to build trust and credibility for the Department, showcasing its commitment to serving the community effectively and transparently.

The roadshow series also focused on fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and community leaders. DCA aims to create a network of support that amplifies its outreach efforts. These partnerships are crucial for extending the reach and impact of the Department's programs, ensuring that more residents can access and benefit from the services offered. Through these collaborative efforts, the roadshow enhanced stakeholder engagement and partnership, drove positive change, and solidified the Department's role as a vital resource for the State's residents.

DCA Celebrates 50 Years of the Housing Choice Voucher Program

DCA joined over 2,100 Public Housing Authorities in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. For half a century, the HCV program has been a cornerstone of federal housing assistance, helping millions of low-income families, people with disabilities, and older adults access safe, decent, and affordable housing in the private market.

• DCA is the largest Public Housing Authority in New Jersey and one of the largest Housing Choice Voucher programs in the country, with more than 25,000 HCV households.
• DCA pays the rent for more than 40,000 households every month, totaling approximately $450 million every year.

DCA recognizes its staff for continuing the program's legacy and its ongoing importance in the affordable housing landscape.

Office of Eviction Prevention (OEP) Receives "In the Trenches" Public Entity Partner Award

Office of Eviction Prevention Director Dean Dafis and OEP staff were celebrated for their invaluable contributions to eviction prevention and tenant support. The Waterfront Project (WFP) honored OEP with the "In the Trenches" Public Entity Partner award. This honor is a testament to the unwavering dedication, under Dean's leadership, in providing critical assistance and advocacy for those most vulnerable in our community. OEP's team efforts in offering rental assistance, legal representation, and resource navigation have truly embodied this year's gala theme, "Unity in Progress."

"Unity in Progress" captures the Waterfront Project's collective journey towards a community where justice, support, and access to essential services unite to forge a stronger, more equitable future for all. The direct outreach, information dissemination, and comprehensive support provided by OEP have been crucial in this journey, mirroring the essence of being "In the Trenches" alongside those in need.

The Justice for All Gala serves as a beacon of hope and a celebration of the strides that DCA and WFP have made together. This honor bestowed on DCA's OEP highlights the importance of their mission to improve the lives of New Jersey residents. 

DCA would like to express our extreme pride and thanks to Dean and his team for their unwavering dedication to helping New Jersey populations most in need.

Smart Move Program

The Smart Move Program is a housing development pilot program that will work with eligible developers to create quality, energy-efficient, resilient, and affordable single-family housing in lower-risk areas within or near disaster-impacted communities. The program will award a maximum of $15 million per project. Once the homes are constructed, the program will provide a path to homeownership for Hurricane Ida-impacted residents. Smart Move will prioritize property buyout program participants and income-qualified, first-time homebuyers, offering affordable housing and down payment assistance.

The Smart Move Phase I application period is now open. It will close on April 30, 2025.

For more information about the Smart Move Program, please visit the program’s webpage or email SmartMove@dca.nj.gov.

Daniel's Law Portal

Daniel’s Law was enacted in response to the tragic death of Daniel Anderl, the son of United States District Court Judge Esther Salas and Mark Anderl. The law prohibits disclosure of the residential addresses of certain persons covered by the law (“Covered Persons”) on websites controlled by state, county, and local government agencies. Covered Persons under the law include active, formerly active, and retired judicial officers, prosecutors, and members of law enforcement and their immediate family members residing in the same household. The portal can be accessed at: www.DanielsLaw.nj.gov.

Covered Persons, and those whom the law defines as "Authorized Persons," can submit a request through the Daniel’s Law portal. An Authorized Person is a person who is permitted to request this protection on behalf of a Covered Person, and includes parents or legal guardians of Covered Persons as well as other legally designated individuals.

For more information about the Office of Information Privacy, which administers Daniel’s Law, please visit the OIP website or email oip@dca.nj.gov.

Utility Assistance is Available

DCA has several programs that help New Jersey households in need with basic resources such as heating assistance to promote long-term physical well-being. These programs include LIHEAP, which is a federal program that helps households at or below 60 percent of the state median income ($7,676 a month for a family of four) pay for energy costs (electric, gas, deliverable fuels and those included in rent), and the Universal Service Fund (USF) program, which provides a monthly credit on electric and gas bills for households at or below 60% of the state median income ($92,108) a year for a family of four). To qualify for USF, the household must pay more than 2% of its annual income for electric or for natural gas. If a household has electric heat, it must spend more than 4% of its annual income on electricity to be eligible.

Visit DCAid to see if you are eligible.

DCA Offers Eviction Prevention Resources

The Office of Eviction Prevention oversees programs and services in eviction prevention and diversion, including rental assistance programs, social services support, and expanding access to legal counsel for low-income tenants facing or threatened with eviction. The Office also handles general inquiries about landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities and publishes the bi-annual Truth in Renting Guide. The Office works closely with nonprofit community-based organizations in disseminating information about resources and providing direct outreach to at-risk tenants.

Eligible low-income households facing or threatened with eviction are provided free and quality access to both an attorney, who can best advocate for them in court to prevent their eviction and negotiate settlements with their landlords, and an experienced case worker called a resource navigator who can best connect them to necessary resources including rental assistance and relocation support. Together, resource navigators and attorneys coordinate their efforts to prevent lockouts by the courts. The Comprehensive Eviction Defense and Diversion (CEDD) program is available in every county throughout NJ.



Contact a CEDD Provider

Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Tenants and Landlords

An updated edition of DCA's Truth in Renting guide is posted on the Department’s website as a resource for residential tenants and landlords to learn about their legal rights and responsibilities. 

The reference guide includes information about lease agreements; payment and collection of rent; habitability; evictions; senior citizens and protected tenants; foreclosures; security deposits; and other topics pertaining to residential tenancies in New Jersey. 

The Truth in Renting guide is periodically updated to include the most current information available. Because the Truth in Renting guide is a general resource document, it is not meant to reflect the special circumstances that New Jersey experienced during the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency, which ended March 7, 2022. Therefore, the guide does not include Executive Orders or COVID-19 pandemic response programs related to housing since they are temporary in nature. While the guide does not reference specific COVID-19 response programs, they remain in effect in accordance with the applicable program guidelines. 

View the Truth in Renting Guide in both English and Spanish.

Eligibility Screening Tool for DCA Programs

"DCAid" is an eligibility screening tool designed to help New Jersey residents find available DCA housing-related and utility assistance programs for which they may qualify. The completely anonymous eligibility screening process is user-friendly and takes only 1-2 minutes to complete. Visit DCAid for more information.

Free Technical Assistance Available for Local Governments

Need assistance with planning services including master plans and redevelopment plans, land use planning and mapping, economic development plans or special municipal projects?

DCA's Office of Local Planning Services (LPS) has made an ongoing commitment to provide FREE technical assistance to local governments.

Interested municipalities can email lpsmail@dca.nj.gov.

First Generation Homebuyer Program

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) First Generation Homebuyer Program provides qualified homebuyers with $7,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs. The First Generation Homebuyer program must be paired with an NJHMFA first mortgage loan and the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA).

When coupled with the NJHMFA DPA, it provides qualified homebuyers with up to $22,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs based upon the county of the property being purchased. The DPA is a forgivable loan with no interest and no monthly payments for eligible homebuyers purchasing a home in New Jersey. The First Generation Homebuyer DPA is forgiven if the Borrower resides in the premises as his/her principal residence for five years from the loan closing date and does not refinance or otherwise convey the first mortgage.

The First Generation Homebuyer Program is one of many NJHMFA programs that assist prospective homebuyers. Click Here for More Information.

Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool

The Potential Lead Exposure Mapping, or PLEM tool, provides new publicly available data that indicate potential sources of lead exposure.

The tool may be used by local health officers, community groups, and other members of the public to help identify the potential sources of lead exposure. The PLEM tool also will have multiple uses that will be phased in over time. Phase 1 will look specifically at lead paint in housing as a source of exposure while future phases will examine other indicators of childhood blood lead poisoning risk.

The tool provides maps and information on the homes most likely to contain lead. It also displays residential parcels categorized by construction year, based on New Jersey's statewide parcel dataset (MOD-IV) and a breakdown of housing age by municipality.

Over the past several decades, health experts have identified best practices for minimizing potential lead exposure. The mapping tool, for example, points users to the multiple programs in New Jersey aimed at reducing potential lead exposure, first identifying existing state initiatives, and then outlining suggested community-level and individual actions.

Access the Mapping Tool Here.

DCA Community Asset Map



The Community Asset Map is an interactive mapping tool that makes it possible to see the characteristics and amenities of each of New Jersey's 564 communities. Municipal leaders, businesses, and even homeowners can use the Community Asset Map to help make strategic development and investment decisions that will benefit their communities.

The mapping tool provides overlay options that allow users to view valuable economic, local planning, environmental, and workforce statistics as well as predominant land uses, property sales, and job density. These features allow potential investors and stakeholders to view where the State has targeted its investments through special designations, such as Urban Enterprise Zones, Transit Villages, Opportunity Zones, and the projects within them.  

Access the Mapping Tool Here.