Sherrill Unveils Aggressive Housing Plan, Faces Questions on Cabinet Diversity and Development Strategy

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday rolled out what she called one of the most aggressive housing strategies in the nation, signing an executive order aimed at boosting development and lowering costs, while also fielding pointed questions from reporters on redevelopment plans, her administration’s first 100 days, and the makeup of her cabinet. The announcement comes as housing affordability continues to dominate concerns across the state, with Sherrill emphasizing urgency in both her remarks and responses during a press conference that quickly turned to implementation details and political implications. During the question-and-answer session, Sherrill made clear that underutilized commercial properties—including shuttered malls and vacant office spaces—are central to her administration’s approach. Asked whether those sites would be targeted for redevelopment, the governor said they present “some really great opportunities,” particularly as the state looks to preserve open space while increasing housing supply. “We’re the most densely populated state in the nation,” Sherrill said. “Those shuttered properties, the already developed properties, present some great opportunities.” She outlined a structured timeline tied to the executive order, including a 60-day directive for agencies to conduct regulatory, budgetary, and land-use reviews, and the formation of a housing governance council that