In a move to address the growing affordable housing crisis, Hudson County has established its first-ever Affordable Housing Task Force, to be headed up by former Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis. The initiative brings together 11 professionals from various sectors to develop comprehensive solutions for the region’s housing challenges. Said Matsikoudis, “I’m honored to assist County Executive Guy in achieving his goal of expanding affordable housing in Hudson County.
” He pointed to “the diverse expertise” of the task force members and what he said was their commitment to finding consensus-based solutions. “From my first day in office, I’ve made it my highest priority to increase affordable housing opportunities in our County,” Guy said in the announcement. The County Executive says that the national housing crisis has hit Hudson County particularly hard, necessitating immediate action and innovative solutions.
The task force, which held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, will explore approaches to expand affordable housing access, including construction of new low-cost housing units using union labor, development of subsidized housing programs for low-income families, and creation of specialized housing initiatives for vulnerable populations, including elderly residents and veterans. “All options are on the table,” Guy emphasized. Over the past few years, Jersey City has passed several affordable housing policies aimed at increasing afforda.
