Steve Sweeney Unveils The New Jersey Builders Agenda

Will Invest Billions into Housing, Energy, and Water Infrastructure

“For too long, the Democratic Party got too close to the economic policies that benefited Wall Street at the expense of Main Street and working people. As a union ironworker, I experienced it firsthand; I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of policies that don’t work for us. My opponents represent more of the same, and behind them are the same money people who’ve been pushing Democratic politicians to govern for Wall Street tycoons for decades. That ends here.”

– Steve Sweeney

Woodbury, NJ – Steve Sweeney unveils his plan to make New Jersey more affordable and turn it into an economic powerhouse for workers through his New Jersey Builders Agenda. By investing in infrastructure, the energy sector, and housing, Steve presents a bold vision to improve quality of life for New Jersey residents while making the state a more attractive place to do business. His plan will create good-paying jobs by injecting billions into needed infrastructure investment – especially for the hardworking union men and women of our state – drive long-term economic growth, and ensure prosperity is shared by the people who live and work here.

New Jersey needs 200,000 affordable housing units, is a net importer of electricity, and needs billions in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. These investments require a Governor who will lead on this issue.

New Jersey’s Public Works Program – Investing in Infrastructure, Energy, and Housing

Inspired by FDR’s Public Works Administration (PWA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this proposal seeks to strengthen New Jersey’s competitive position by strategically shaping key markets – including electricity, housing, and infrastructure. The goal: improve quality of life for residents and make New Jersey a top destination for business. For New Jersey to move forward, the state must act as a market shaper – building capacity, lowering costs, and providing clean, affordable options for both residents and businesses.

ON ENERGY

New Jersey residents face rising costs due to the state being a net energy importer, with utility prices expected to surge by 20% or more as early as this summer. After shutting down several power plants, New Jersey has struggled to replace them. Offshore wind development has stalled – blocked by the Trump administration and New Jersey Republicans, despite widespread support and our strong solar sector.

• To diversify our energy sources, we must adopt microgrid technology and Modular Nuclear Reactors, alongside building new gas-fueled power plants. We will also explore state-of-the-art hydrogen technology and energy generation through food waste to create a more resilient and independent energy future.

ON HOUSING

• To build 200,000 affordable housing units over the next five years, we must eliminate the barriers to development, New Jersey must unlock the reserves from local Affordable Housing Trust Funds. This means providing a full range of housing options – from low- and moderate-income to homes that middle-income families can afford.

• We will offer first-time homebuyer down payment assistance and allow for denser development that creates connected, thriving communities.

• The fight for affordable housing has gone on too long. We can no longer wait for every community to do its part. For towns that welcome families, we will create Housing Incentive Zones, leveraging state or municipal funds to prioritize development in these areas – instead of rewarding towns that resist growth. Generations of young people have missed out on affordable housing because we've prioritized appeasement over action. Under my administration, we will build real housing – not just count imaginary units on paper.

ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Steve’s Builders Agenda includes a major bond initiative to improve clean water systems, sewer treatment, and climate resilience.

• These investments will provide cleaner drinking water, modernized sewer systems, and greater flood protection. They will also lower homeowner insurance costs by reducing the damage from severe weather events, especially as New Jersey’s coastal communities face the impacts of climate change.

• In his first year, Steve will seek voter approval for a bond measure. This investment will require construction job training programs – offered through unions and community colleges – that prepare residents for jobs within two years. This state bond could be matched with federal infrastructure and economic funding.

• With recent attacks on federal investment programs, we must be ready to act alone. If federal support disappears, New Jersey will move forward independently, establishing itself as a national economic leader in the post-Trump era.

The New Jersey Builders Agenda is more than a policy platform – it’s a declaration of independence from the status quo that has failed working people for too long. We are done mimicking the economic playbooks of those who prioritize profit over people. With bold investments in infrastructure, housing, and innovation, we are reclaiming government as a force for good – one that listens to working families and builds a future where they can thrive.

"Steve’s number one focus has always been what helps working people – and today is no different,” said Bill Mullen, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council. “His Builders Agenda reaffirms that commitment by creating thousands of good-paying jobs for our members and strengthening our infrastructure. There’s a reason the building trades are overwhelmingly backing Steve: we know he’ll always have our backs, just as he has by championing Paid Family Leave, raising the minimum wage, and prevailing wage. Steve will be a governor for all of New Jersey and will continue improving the lives of working people."

“Steve Sweeney is one of us. He came up through the trades, and he knows firsthand what good union jobs mean for working families,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “His Builders Agenda is a pro-worker plan for New Jersey that will invest heavily in infrastructure, housing, and energy to create thousands of good-paying union jobs. From building new housing and expanding down payment assistance, to upgrading aging water and sewer systems, to modernizing power plants and expanding clean energy, this is a plan that puts union members to work. As Governor, Steve Sweeney means more man-hours and opportunities for union carpenters who live and work across New Jersey.”

This agenda is about rebuilding trust and opportunity from the ground up – something that is long overdue in New Jersey. It’s about showing the people of our state that their lives matter more than campaign contributions or empty promises.

We’ve turned the page. Now, we build.