ATLANTIC CITY –  Charles A. Richman, a public servant with a more than 50-year tenure in New Jersey state government, was named the recipient of the 2022 Housing and Economic Development Hall of Fame Award on Wednesday night. Richman received the award on the eve of the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, which is taking place September 29-30 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.

“Charles Richman, who everyone knows as “Chuck”, couldn’t be more deserving of the Hall of Fame Award,” said Lt. Governor Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “During his tenure at the Department of Community Affairs, he helped to make unprecedented investments in our communities and small business districts. Governor Murphy and I deeply admire Chuck’s commitment to public service, and we are thrilled that he was selected for this meaningful Housing and Economic Development Hall of Fame recognition.”

The annual conference brings together housing industry and economic development leaders to participate in six diverse tracks ranging from housing for community needs to women and business to economic development. It includes an Atlantic City area bus tour and is capped by a keynote address by the Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the 40^th Mayor of the City of Newark, on Thursday, September 29 and a brunch address by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Alicka Ampry-Samuel on Friday, September 30.

The Housing and Economic Development Hall of Fame Award recognizes trailblazers in the housing and economic development fields, ranging from those who work to create, finance, and develop affordable housing and economic growth opportunities to individuals who advocate, lead, and educate the public on the issues.

Mr. Richman spearheaded effective policy development in areas ranging from affordable housing, fire safety, community planning, and economic revitalization to budget development. He has been responsible for regulatory reform in a variety of building and housing codes; evaluations of municipal operations; formulation of legislative strategies; preparation of department budgets and priorities; contract management; and supervision of operating divisions.

After Superstorm Sandy, he helped administer federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds and rebuilding efforts. Richman was appointed DCA Commissioner by Governor Chris Christie in 2015. He also served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency from 2018 to December 2020. This year, Richman was welcomed back to public service as Governor Murphy’s senior advisor on building permitting to oversee electronic permitting in an effort to make DCA’s permitting process more efficient and responsive.

Prior to joining DCA in 1986, Commissioner Richman served as Executive Director of the New Jersey State Energy Office, Assistant Commissioner and then Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Energy. He was named assistant commissioner of DCA in 1986, promoted to deputy commissioner in 2005, and held the title of Acting Commissioner three times.

“Chuck has been a tremendous friend and colleague over the years,” said Leslie A. Anderson, NJRA President and CEO. “His knowledge in the field of housing and economic development is unmatched. I cannot think of a better or more deserving individual to be inducted into the hall of fame.”

“It is a privilege to honor my mentor and friend, Charles Richman,” said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. “Chuck is the epitome of professionalism in public service. His unwavering dedication to good policy in our State is legendary across generations of officials on both sides of the aisle. New Jersey is a better place because of Chuck’s contributions to it.”

“Chuck’s commitment to equity and inclusivity is evident in all that he did during his tenure in state government,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The impact he has had on New Jersey is both wide-reaching and long-lasting – from connecting neighborhoods with the resources necessary to bolster their downtowns, to working tirelessly to increase affordable housing statewide and serving as a steadfast advocate for underserved communities. Chuck’s career serves as a testament that public service is our highest calling. On behalf of the NJEDA, I congratulate Chuck on this well-deserved honor.”

The conference is hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA).

For more information on the conference, visit: njhousingconference.com. You can follow the conference on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @njhousingconf.

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