The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is a governmental agency of the
U.S. state
In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its so ...
of
New Jersey
New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...
.
Function
The NJDCA provides "administrative guidance, financial support, and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey."
Divisions, programs, and services
Division of Codes and Standards
The DCS establishes and enforces building codes, licensing code officials and training to protect the health and safety of New Jerseyans, in partnership with the state's municipalities. It includes the Bureau of Housing Inspection. It also oversees the implementation of construction codes, amusement ride inspections, gas installations, boarding house licenses, and the New Home Warranty Program.
Edward Smith is the director of the DCS.
Division of Housing and Community Resources
The DCR provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities, community action agencies, and other non-profit organizations in order to promote community development and economic development within the community. Also, it aids local government agencies and non-profit organizations seeking to improve the
quality of life
Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards ...
for low-income residents. Specific programs include energy assistance, community services, and neighborhood programs. The DH works with municipalities, non-profit organizations, private developers, and the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Financing Agency to promote community development by facilitating homeownership and housing. The DH oversees
Section 8 housing assistance programs, which are funded by the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is one of the executive departments of the U.S. federal government. It administers federal housing and urban development laws. It is headed by the secretary of housing and u ...
. Other programs seek to create housing opportunities in viable neighborhoods for low-income households, to fund the development of affordable housing throughout the state, and to expand the capacity of non-profit organizations to develop affordable housing. The DH works together with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the
Council on Affordable Housing.
Janel Winter is the director of the DHCR.
Division of Fire Safety
The DFS is New Jersey's central fire agency, responsible for training firefighters and developing and enforcing the state fire code.
Richard Mikutsky is the director of the DFS.
Division of Local Government Services
The DLGS works with local governments to ensure their financial integrity and solvency and to ensure that they comply with state regulations.
Melanie Walter is the director of the DLGS.
Sandy Recovery Division
The SRD manages the majority of the federal funds being used to assist the State in recovering from
Superstorm Sandy. These funds come from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The division is committed to efficiently and effectively addressing the long-term needs of New Jersey's Sandy-impacted residents and communities through programs designed to help homeowners, tenants, landlords, developers and local governments.
Affiliated Agencies
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
The
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) is an affiliated independent agency within DCA that finances affordable housing and mortgages for low- and moderate-income households. It administers federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and runs the
New Jersey Housing Resource Center (NJHRC), a housing locator service.
New Jersey Historic Trust
The New Jersey Historic Trust, located within DCA, provides grants and easements to preserve the state’s historic properties.
Commissioners
Commissioners of the Department of Community Affairs include:
"New DCA Commissioner Joseph V. Doria, Jr. Speaks Out on Housing Issues, Eminent Domain and More"
''New Jersey Municipalities'', November 2007. Accessed September 1, 2016.
* Paul Ylvisaker (1967–1970)
* Edmund Hume (1970–1971)
* Lawrence "Pat" Kramer (1971–1974)
* Patricia Sheehan (1974–1978)
* Joseph A. LeFante (1978–1982)
* John Renna (1982–1985)
* Leonard S. Coleman Jr. (1986–1988)
* Anthony M. Villane (1988–1990)
* Randy Primas (1990–1992)
* Stephanie R. Bush (1992–1994)
* Harriet E. Derman (1994–1996)
* Jane Kenny (1996–2001)
* Susan Bass Levin (2002–2007)
* Joseph Doria (2007–2009)
* Laurie Griffa (2010–2012)
* Richard Constable (2012–2015)
* Charles Richman (2015–2018)
* Sheila Oliver (2018–2023)
* Jacquelyn A. Suárez (2023–Present)
References
External links
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
{{authority control
Community Affairs
State housing agencies in the United States