The Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development (GCHED) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards. The honorees will be formally recognized during a special brunch ceremony on September 17, 2025, held at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, as part of the two-day GCHED event. The awards spotlight individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to housing and economic growth across New Jersey. n nThese accolades reflect the joint missions of key state agencies including the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Financing Agency (NJHMFA). n nKia King, Acting Commissioner of the DCA, emphasized the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies. She stated, “This year’s awardees demonstrate how vision and determination can yield tangible progress. Their efforts illustrate what becomes possible when public institutions, private enterprises, and nonprofit groups unite to strengthen communities.” King added that the awards not only honor past accomplishments but also serve as a call to maintain innovation and fairness in future development efforts. n nLeslie A. Anderson, President and CEO of the NJRA, highlighted the value of peer recognition within the development sector. “These awards allow professionals in housing, community revitalization, and small business advancement to celebrate one another’s achievements,” she noted. “They reflect the impactful work we know is happening throughout New Jersey. We’re able to spotlight seasoned developers while also uplifting emerging entrepreneurs and smaller firms making a difference.” n nThe program features seven distinct award categories, and this year marked the highest number of nominations in the event’s history. Each submission underwent thorough evaluation before the final list of winners was confirmed. n nTim Sullivan, CEO of the NJEDA, credited Governor Murphy’s administration for prioritizing equitable and transformative development. “Under this leadership, New Jersey has advanced real estate and economic initiatives that support job creation, neighborhood renewal, and improved living standards,” he said. “Today’s honorees represent the vanguard of these efforts—individuals and teams driving meaningful change across the state.” n nAward categories include the Leading Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership Award, which honors collaborative projects that rejuvenate urban areas and foster community well-being. The Adaptive Reuse Transformation Award celebrates developments that creatively repurpose existing buildings, preserving architectural heritage while stimulating economic activity. n nThe Innovative Economic Development Award recognizes pioneering programs that boost economic vitality, employment, and long-term sustainability. The Excellence in Housing Development Award highlights projects delivering high-quality, affordable homes tailored to diverse population needs. n nThe Senator Ronald L. Rice Impact Award acknowledges nonprofits, individuals, or institutions that have significantly advanced housing access, economic opportunity, or neighborhood improvement. Additionally, the Small Business of Distinction Awards recognize enterprises that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and positive local influence, underscoring their role in regional economic momentum. n nMelanie Walter, Executive Director of the NJHMFA, remarked, “The 2025 awardees embody the creative approaches New Jersey’s development sector uses to deliver results in a dynamic real estate landscape. This year’s recipients join a respected lineage of builders and planners who have successfully created inclusive communities, essential amenities, and economic pathways accessible to residents of all backgrounds and age groups.” n nThe awards brunch will take place on September 17, 2025, during the broader GCHED conference, offering attendees a chance to honor the winners and exchange insights on future development strategies. n nList of 2025 Awardees: n nExcellence in Housing Development Award: Residences at Harper – Moorestown; Oliver Station – Camden n nLeading Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership Award: 560-572 13th Ave – Newark; Residence at South College Drive – Deptford Township n nAdaptive Reuse Transformation Award: Jonathan Sinay Building at the JFSNJ Weinberg Campus – Cherry Hill n nInnovative Economic Development Award: The Forum at Madison – Madison n nSenator Ronald L. Rice Impact Award: Elnardo J. Webster II n nSmall Business of Distinction Award: Don Ricky Bakery – Elizabeth; Quarks Advantage – Princeton n nThe Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development convenes policymakers, industry experts, and community stakeholders to explore policies, innovations, and collaborative models aimed at expanding housing access and economic opportunity in New Jersey. It functions as a forum for knowledge exchange and partnership building to support statewide progress. n nAdditional details about the conference can be found at NJHousingConference.com or by emailing njhousingconference@njhmfa.gov. n
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Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development Announces 2025 Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards n nPosted on: 09/10/2025 n nTRENTON, NJ – The Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development (GCHED) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards. The presentation of these awards will happen during a special ceremony on September 17, 2025, at the Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards Brunch. This brunch will recognize the outstanding contributions to housing and economic development across the State of New Jersey. n nThe Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and projects that align with the core missions of the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development Coordinating Agencies: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Financing Agency (NJHMFA). n n“Each of this year’s honorees reflects the power of vision paired with persistence. Their work shows us what is possible when public, private, and nonprofit partners commit to building stronger communities together,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Kia King. “These awards are not just acknowledgments of past achievements; they’re reminders that innovation and equity must guide the next chapter of housing and economic development in New Jersey.” n nEmphasizing the importance of these awards, President and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority Leslie A. Anderson said, “These awards provide an opportunity for professionals in the housing, community development, economic development, and small business spaces to recognize and acknowledge the great work of their peers. This year’s awards demonstrate the remarkable work that we in State government know is taking place across this state. We can honor more established developers while also creating space for emerging developers and small businesses to receive recognition for the work they do.” n nThe awards encompass seven categories and this year the conference received the largest number of nominations to date. All were reviewed to select the final roster of award recipients for this year. n n“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has invested in impactful and equitable real estate and economic development initiatives throughout the state, supporting job creation, neighborhood revitalization, and improved quality of life,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s award winners honor the individuals, organizations, and projects that are at the forefront of real estate and economic development in the state.” n nThe Leading Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership Award recognizes collaborative efforts that effectively revitalize and transform neighborhoods, bringing about positive change. n nThe Adaptive Reuse Transformation Award honors projects that creatively repurpose existing structures, preserving historical and architectural significance while contributing to economic growth and community revitalization. n nThe Innovative Economic Development Award acknowledges groundbreaking initiatives that promote economic prosperity, job creation, and sustainable development. n nThe Excellence in Housing Development Award recognizes exceptional projects that provide high-quality, affordable housing options to meet the diverse needs of residents. n nThe Senator Ronald L. Rice Impact Award pays tribute to nonprofits, individuals, or organizations that have made significant impacts on housing, economic development, or community improvement. n nThe Small Business of Distinction Awards acknowledge the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and a positive impact on their communities, showcasing their vital role in driving economic growth and local development. n nMelanie Walter, executive director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, stated, “The 2025 winners of the Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development exemplify the innovative strategies that New Jersey’s development community uses to deliver results in a constantly evolving real estate market. Our honorees this year join a distinguished group of builders and developers who have risen to the challenge of producing communities, amenities, and economic opportunity New Jerseyans of all backgrounds and generations can find and enjoy.” n nConference attendees are invited to celebrate these phenomenal winners at the Hall of Fame Award & Governor’s Excellence in Housing and Economic Development Awards Brunch on September 17, 2025, as a part of the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development taking place at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City on September 16th and 17th. n n2025 GOVERNOR’S EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARD WINNERS n nExcellence in Housing Development Award n nResidences at Harper – Moorestown n nOliver Station – Camden n nLeading Neighborhood Revitalization Partnership Award n n560-572 13th Ave – Newark n nResidence at South College Drive – Deptford Township n nAdaptive Reuse Transformation Award n nJonathan Sinay Building at the JFSNJ Weinberg Campus – Cherry Hill n nInnovative Economic Development Award n nThe Forum at Madison– Madison n nSenator Ronald L. Rice Impact Award n nElnardo J. Webster II n nSmall Business of Distinction Award n nDon Ricky Bakery – Elizabeth n nQuarks Advantage – Princeton n nThe Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development brings together government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies, innovations, and policies aimed at advancing housing opportunities and economic development in New Jersey. The conference serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, fostering partnerships that drive positive change in our state. n nFor more information about the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development, please visit NJHousingConference.com or email njhousingconference@njhmfa.gov. n nAbout the Conference