Resources

Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is a state agency created to provide 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.

The Department of Community Affairs offers a wide range of programs and services that respond to issues of public concern, including fire and building safety, housing production and availability, community planning and development, and local government management and finance. These programs work to shape our lives and improve our communities.

Department Program Highlights
The Department's programs and services are offered through the following divisions:

• Division of Codes and Standards
  
• Division of Fire Safety
  
• Division of Housing and Community Resources
  
• Division of Local Government Services
  
• Division on Women
  
• Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development
  
• Office of Smart Growth

In addition, the Department is closely affiliated with the following agencies:

• Council on Affordable Housing
  
• Government Records Council
  
• Housing Mortgage Finance Agency
  
• New Jersey Historic Trust
  
• New Jersey Meadowlands Commission.

Divisions and Affiliate Agencies

Division of Codes and Standards
The Division of Codes and Standards establishes and enforces building or equipment codes, in partnership with the State's municipalities, to protect the health and safety of New Jersey citizens.
Contact: William Connolly
Phone: 609-292-7899
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/codes

Division of Fire Safety
The Division of Fire Safety is the central fire service agency in the State, responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, public education programs and firefighter training programs.
Contact: Larry Petrillo
Phone: 609-633-6106
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/dfs

Division of Housing and Community Resources
The Division of Housing and Community Resources is committed to building neighborhoods. Working with nonprofit organizations, municipalities, private developers and the Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, the Division is responsible for grant and loan programs that promote economic and community development through housing and other supportive services.
Contact: Keith Jones
Phone: 609-633-6303
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr

Division of Local Government Services
The Division of Local Government Services works with local governments to ensure their financial integrity and solvency, and to support their efforts to comply with State laws and regulations.
Contact: Matt Watkins
Phone: 609-292-6110
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/lgs

Division on Women
The Division on Women advocates for the rights and opportunities of all women in the State of New Jersey. The Division provides leadership in the formulation of public policy and in the development, coordination and evaluation of programs and services for women.
Contact: Bear Atwood
Phone: 609-292-8840
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/dow

Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development
The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development works to empower the Hispanic community of New Jersey through inclusion in policy development and by ensuring access to services and programs. The Center facilitates professional and leadership development of Latinos, emphasizes the richness and diversity of the Latino culture, and supports programs through funding collaborations with private and public entities.
Contact: Angie Armand
Phone: 609-984-3223
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/chprd

Office of Smart Growth
The Office of Smart Growth is leading the effort to promote sustainable development, protect our environment, preserve open space and revitalize older communities. The Smart Growth Initiative will enhance the quality of life of all New Jersey residents through sound planning.
Contact: Adam Zellner
Phone: 609-292-7156
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/osg

Council on Affordable Housing
The Council on Affordable Housing provides an effective process to municipalities, housing providers, nonprofit and for-profit developers to produce affordable housing for low and moderate income households.
Contact: Maureen Fullaway
Phone: 609-292-3000
Website: www.nj.gov/dca/coah

Government Records Council
The Government Records Council was established by the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to guarantee public access to government records. The Council provides informal guidance; issues advisory opinions on the accessibility of government records; delivers training on OPRA; mediates and adjudicates disputes; and provides training to records custodians throughout the State.
Contact: Marc Pfeiffer, Acting Exec. Dir.
Phone: 888-850-0511
Website: www.nj.gov/grc

Housing Mortgage Finance Agency
The Housing Mortgage Finance Agency provides financing for quality, affordable housing for families, first-time homebuyers, senior citizens and the disabled
Contact: Sean Closkey, Executive Director
Phone: 800-NJ-HOUSE or 609-278-7400
Website: www.nj-hmfa.com

New Jersey Historic Trust
The New Jersey Historic Trust provides support and protection for New Jersey's historic resources. Funding assistance is limited to units of local and county government or qualified nonprofit organizations. Technical assistance and easement advice is available to public and private owners of historic resources.
Phone: 609-984-0473
Website: www.njht.org

New Jersey Meadowlands Commission
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission is empowered with regional planning and zoning authority to ensure the environmental protections of the Meadowlands District. The Commission's objectives include:

• The acquisition of open space for permanent preservation;
  
• The enhancement of environmentally sensitive wetland areas and wildlife habitats;
  
• The development of active and passive recreational opportunities; and
  
• The redevelopment of brownfields properties.

Contact: Bob Ceberio
Phone: 201-460-8898
Website: www.meadowlands.state.nj.us