For many people in New Jersey, finding a home they can afford in a community that meets their needs is a tough proposition that is only getting tougher.
"Competition is fierce thanks to factors such as our sluggish state economy, the foreclosure crisis and Superstorm Sandy," wrote Staci Berger, president and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ, in an op-ed — also pointing to state policies on affordable housing and rental assistance that have not kept pace with current needs and trends.
We'll answer your questions about the state's housing crisis and what can be done about it in a live chat today at noon.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
This piece is part of a series on how to improve New Jersey quality of life, presented by Together North Jersey in partnership with The Star-Ledger and NJ.com.
Together North Jersey, a regional planning initiative, will be talking with readers throughout the summer on a range of quality of life issues affecting the state.
Your thoughts will help guide a regional plan that can shape public policy in New Jersey for years to come. Learn more about the project here.
Two guests, who are experts on New Jersey housing policy, real estate and communities development, will be taking your questions on the state's current housing crisis:
• Alan Mallach is a senior fellow of the National Housing Institute. He previously served as Trenton's director of housing and economic development. He is also a fellow at the Center for Community Progress and the Brookings Institution, and the author of many works on housing and housing policy.
• Peter S. Reinhart is the director of the Kislak Real Estate Institute and a specialist professor at Monmouth University. He previously served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
Make your voice heard. Post your question for our guests in the comments below.