Registration is now open for the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, which brings together housing professionals, developers, community leaders, and government officials to explore innovative ideas and solutions to housing challenges.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill, whose administration is focused on improving housing affordability and access, will keynote the event at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City on Sept. 29-30.
Sherrill signed an executive order in April creating a Housing Government Council tasked with developing a comprehensive review of state-owned land, agency regulations and development processes to lower costs and improve availability of housing. The plan recommendations will be delivered at the two-day conference.
"New Jersey's housing challenges require bold thinking and real collaboration across sectors," said Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "This conference brings together the people and ideas that will shape how we build, fund, and sustain communities across the state. I look forward to the conversations ahead and the progress that follows.”
Hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and presentations designed to inspire collaboration and action.
"This year's Governor's Housing and Economic Development conference will mark a key milestone in the Sherrill administration's Executive Order 17 initiatives, affording state leaders and stakeholders a perfect opportunity to advance the administration's coordinated housing strategy," said NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter.
"Over two days, housing and community development leaders will learn about new policy initiatives, weigh in on New Jersey's housing needs and priorities, and cultivate tools and relationships that will help make New Jersey housing more available and affordable," she said.
Attendees will gain access to:
- Plenary session with state leaders who will examine how New Jersey is turning policy into action by streamlining regulations, unlocking underutilized public land, and coordinating investments;
- Workshops and panels on affordable housing, social investment, housing policy, adaptive reuse, neighborhood revitalization, energy affordability, opportunity zones, equitable redevelopment, women and business, and more;
- Atlantic City guided bus tour by the Live Work Atlantic City Coalition, a group of diverse stakeholders leading the city's redevelopment, who will showcase Atlantic City's building projects;
- Hall of Fame Award and Governor's Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards Brunch recognizing pioneers in the housing and economic development fields and honoring exemplary projects, organizations, and individuals throughout New Jersey;
- Networking opportunities with leaders from across sectors, including government, nonprofit, real estate, finance, and advocacy.
"Access to affordable housing is an integral part of Governor Mikie Sherrill's economic development strategy, cutting costs for residents, advancing diverse and equitable economic growth, and attracting transformative investment opportunities to revitalize communities," said NJEDA CEO Evan Weiss.
"Through the Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development, we aim to highlight resources, foster partnerships, and develop strategies that will guide the Sherrill administration as we continue to strengthen New Jersey's economic future."
NJRA CEO and Executive Director Rose Farias noted the Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development, now in its 30th year, “has served as the cornerstone gathering for stakeholders committed to building more vibrant communities across New Jersey."
"As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, we are excited to have Governor Sherrill as our keynote,” Farias said. “Since day one, she has charged us with creating a state that is affordable and works for all New Jerseyans. This conference helps us to deliver on that promise by bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates."
To register for the conference visit njhousingconference.com.
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are also available through Sept. 15.
