Changing Landscape: The Future of Building in New Jersey
by New Jersey Builders Association Chair Debra Tantleff, TANTUM
as featured in Shore Builders Association of Central NJ Bulletin Board Magazine
It has been a robust year for New Jersey’s building industry and as we look ahead to 2026, the industry stands at a pivotal moment. With a new Governor taking office and a new legislative session set to begin in January, the state’s policy and regulatory landscape is poised for significant transition bringing challenges and opportunities for builders, developers, and policymakers committed to solving New Jersey’s housing affordability crisis.
At NJBA’s recent Gubernatorial Forum, co-hosted with the New Jersey Realtors, both leading candidates for Governor, Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, outlined their visions for addressing the state’s rising cost of living and lack of available housing. Their differing approaches underscored the importance of our continued advocacy and engagement to ensure housing remains a top statewide priority in the year ahead.
As the election nears, NJBA is preparing for an active Lame Duck session, which traditionally features a flurry of legislative activity before the new administration and Legislature take office. During this time, NJBA will continue advancing its policy initiatives while remaining vigilant against last-minute proposals that could hinder development. NJBA will continue to work with our various policy committees to prepare a detailed transition memos for the incoming administration, outlining reforms and initiatives that would strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver much-needed housing across New Jersey. We encourage any members interested in joining one of NJBA’s various policy committees to reach out to staff.
Two major policy matters will continue to shape New Jersey’s housing landscape in both the immediate and long term future: the first is the rollout of the Fourth Round of Affordable Housing obligations which will determine municipal housing requirements and development potential statewide. Last month, the New Jersey Superior Court dismissed, with prejudice, the lawsuit brought by 27 municipalities challenging the state’s affordable housing law (A4), effectively ending legal challenges in state court. This ruling represents a major victory for the industry, but NJBA will remain vigilant in monitoring implementation as the Fourth-Round proceeds.
The second issue is, the anticipated final adoption of the DEP’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes (“REAL”) Rule in January. Following strong opposition from NJBA, numerous business and industry organizations, and elected officials, DEP issued a Notice of Substantial Change this summer that incorporated several key revisions: lowering the sea level rise forecast from five to four feet, improving flexibility for dry access, recognizing affordable housing as a compelling public need, and adding a six-month grandfathering period. While these changes marked major progress, NJBA continues to urge that the rule be withdrawn and retooled, as the totality of the proposal would significantly jeopardize housing production and affordability in the state.
In addition to the shifting policy landscape, the industry is preparing for another major transition with the adoption of new building codes in 2026. Based on the 2024 I-Code package, these updates will introduce new standards for energy efficiency, structural resiliency, and sustainable design.
Taken together, 2026 is poised to be a year of consequential change for the building industry with a new administration, a new round of affordable housing, major regulatory reforms, and major code updates. NJBA remains steadfast in ensuring that, through advocacy, education, and collaboration with our members, the industry not only adapts to this changing landscape but helps lead to a more robust housing industry.
To help the building industry stay ahead of these rapid changes, the 2026 Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC) will once again offer a dynamic, reimagined schedule of educational seminars designed to engage every segment of the field. ABC draws a wide range of industry professionals—including builders, developers, remodelers, consultants, and more—creating a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of peers, explore hundreds of industry-specific exhibits, and gain valuable insights.
This year’s seminar lineup will cover a broad spectrum of topics, from critical code updates to cutting-edge trends in development and design, ensuring attendees leave equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of 2026. The exhibit floor is already more than 75% reserved, so prospective exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early. The event will be held at the Etess Arena in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, promising a vibrant and inspiring setting for innovation and collaboration.
