Murphy administration says New Jersey has approved more than 200,000 housing permits since 2018

TRENTON, N.J.  — The Murphy administration announced Thursday that New Jersey has surpassed a milestone of approving more than 200,000 building permits for housing units since 2018, a total the administration says exceeds that of the previous four governors combined.

According to state data through September 2025, New Jersey has authorized 204,790 housing units during Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure. Officials said the figure is expected to rise once data from the final quarter of 2025 is reported.

“When we came into office in 2018, we promised to cut through red tape and tackle the housing crisis head-on,” Murphy said. “We are incredibly proud to announce that we’ve delivered on our promise and have exceeded 200,000 approved housing permits – more permits than any of the past four gubernatorial administrations. Through our Department of Community Affairs, we are cementing our legacy of expanding housing supply and building a stronger, fairer state for the people of New Jersey.”

The administration credited a range of policy and administrative changes for the increase in permits, including updates to the state’s Uniform Construction Code, expanded staffing and oversight at the Department of Community Affairs, and legislation allowing for the online submission of construction permits.

“Whether it’s advancing affordable housing initiatives, providing proper staffing, or streamlining government functions through technology, the Murphy Administration has shown time and again – through its actions – how committed it is to building housing for New Jerseyans,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Simply put, this Administration is doing more in the housing space than any of its predecessors this century. The proof is in the numbers.”

State officials said the permit data is collected from monthly reports submitted by local construction officials and published in the New Jersey Construction Reporter Online Magazine, with annual summaries posted on the department’s website. The administration noted that the total under Murphy is likely higher than reported because Jersey City, the state’s second-largest city, has not submitted its data to the department.

For comparison, the state reported that 104,480 housing units were authorized during the McGreevey administration, 38,228 during the Codey administration, 81,997 during the Corzine administration and 146,128 during the Christie administration.

The administration also pointed to the passage of affordable housing legislation in 2024, which established a framework for municipalities to plan future housing development, and the launch of the NJHOMES initiative this year to help towns design housing that meets local and statewide needs.

Officials said the combined efforts are intended to keep New Jersey competitive in housing production while supporting municipalities as they address demand from current and future residents.