Paterson One Square Mile, an initiative led by Montclair State University, has named LISC New Jersey (LISC-NJ) as the lead organization for its housing strategy. The initiative focuses on equitable outcomes in housing, health, and economic opportunity in Paterson.
The strategic action plan, supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, includes five main goals: expanding housing affordability, increasing supply and stability, improving housing quality, creating safe neighborhoods, and building assets and wealth.
LISC-NJ will be responsible for implementing the community-led housing plan. This includes coordinating partners focused on housing issues, managing data collection efforts related to the plan’s progress, and securing funding to support these objectives.
“LISC New Jersey brings experience as a Community Development Financial Institution and a hyperlocal focus to this partnership,” said Bryan Murdock, associate vice president for community partnerships at Montclair State University. “Their expertise will help bring this community-driven housing plan to life as a critical piece of the larger OSM strategy, and we look forward to working side-by-side to implement it.”
Since its founding in 1986, LISC-NJ has invested more than $487 million in low- to moderate-income communities across New Jersey. These investments have leveraged $1.5 billion in additional resources and helped create over 5,000 units of housing.
“We are honored to be selected and are ready to get to work on this vital housing component,” said Jorge Cruz, executive director of LISC-NJ. “We believe deeply in the power of this plan, which was built by the community. Our role is to convene, support, and help mobilize the resources needed to create a more equitable and thriving Paterson, starting with the foundation of safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
Jonathan Koppell, president of Montclair State University added: “This is a great moment for the Paterson One Square Mile team that brings university and community together. The planning process showed what’s possible when residents, partners, and institutions like Montclair come together around a common purpose. Now, with LISC-NJ joining as the lead on the critical housing piece, we have the opportunity to turn that shared multi-dimensional vision into real integrated change for the people of Paterson.”
