Alongside Co-Sponsors, Majority of Jersey City Councilmembers and Mayor Fulop Support the Impactful Legislation
JERSEY CITY, NJ - Today, Jersey City’s Right-to-Counsel and Development Impact Fee
legislation received the endorsements of at-large Councilmembers Amy DeGise and Daniel Rivera. The
Councilmembers’ endorsement guarantees five YES votes for the bills, a majority to pave the way for
their passage. Councilmembers DeGise and Rivera worked with the legislation’s sponsors to ensure
funds collected from development fees would support emergency rental assistance and housing
rehabilitation and that the right-to-counsel office would conduct education and outreach to the general
public.
“This legislation is crucial to providing comprehensive support and resources for residents that
prioritizes equity and social justice in housing,” said Councilwoman-at-large Amy DeGise. “This
legislation protects vulnerable populations, promotes housing stability, and fosters a strong sense of
community. As we continue this work, we must ensure our middle-class residents are not excluded due
to income thresholds and provide education and information for mom-and-pop landlords who seek
guidance navigating tenant-landlord relations. I look forward to continuing this important work
together.”
“Our city is taking yet another significant step to reduce unwarranted evictions that disproportionately
affect minorities most,” said Councilman-at-large Daniel Rivera. “At the same time, this legislation
will further grow our Affordable Housing Trust Fund to continue breaking new ground in our collective
fight to increase affordability for our most vulnerable residents.”
“This self-sustaining Right-to-Counsel legislation is the latest important step in our efforts to expand
access to quality affordable housing opportunities and provide much-needed protections for our
residents, especially our traditionally underserved populations who need it most,” said Mayor
Steven Fulop. “Everyone deserves a safe place to live without fear of being needlessly
uprooted. That’s why we are standing up for our residents, especially those facing eviction who
oftentimes cannot afford an attorney to fight for their constitutional rights.”
“Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by evictions, and Right-to-Counsel will
close that racial gap while keeping all Jersey City residents in their homes,” said Councilmember
Yousef Saleh. “The passage of this legislation proves that we don’t have to choose between investing in
affordable housing development and protecting our tenants.”
“I am grateful to Mayor Fulop and the Councilmembers who have demonstrated their public support for
Right-to-Counsel in Jersey City—and I’m thrilled to add Councilmembers DeGise and Rivera to this
list,” said Councilmember James Solomon. “They will be the fourth and fifth vote for this bill,
guaranteeing its passage. Above all, their commitment to our residents means that Jersey City will pass
one of the strongest Right-to-Counsel bills in the country, protecting tenants across the city.”
“Right-to-Counsel will reduce the number of evictions in Jersey City,” said Councilmember Frank
Gilmore. “The accompanying development fee levied against the city’s wealthiest real estate interests
would pay for the program while growing our Affordable Housing Trust. It’s good policy, good politics,
and good for Jersey City.”
