Members of the Teen Think Tank Project, AHA Staff, Senator Gopal and Dyese Davis, Senator Gopal’s Chief of Staff.
On June 18, 2026, the Affordable Housing Alliance joined nearly 200 members of the Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ) at the State House for Legislative Day, one of the most important days on the affordable housing advocacy calendar.
This year, AHA brought a special group along: participants from the Teen Think Tank Project, young advocates who came ready to engage, listen, and make their voices heard where it counts.
Stacie Berger, President & CEO of the Housing & Community Development Network of NJ, Randi Moore AHA CEO and Think Tank Members discussing the day’s agenda.
A Day to Remember
For the Teen Think Tank cohort, Legislative Day was civic engagement in action. The group advocated directly for these budget resolutions, sat in on a live Senate voting session, and got a one-on-one meeting with Senator Gopal to top it off. Dyese Davis, Senator Gopal’s Chief of Staff, honored the cohort with a Legislative Citation, a well-earned recognition of their participation and commitment.
AHA CEO Randi Moore was proud to welcome the Teen Think Tank as guests for the day. Seeing young people show up, ask smart questions, and advocate alongside seasoned housing professionals was a reminder of why this work matters and who it is ultimately for.
Teen Think Tank members discussing the importance of affordable housing with Senator Gopal.
Dyese Davis and Teen Think Tank members honored with a Legislative Citation
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Senator Gopal for making time to meet with our young advocates. Thank you to Dyese Davis for the meaningful recognition. And thank you to HCDNNJ for organizing a day that gave advocates of all ages a front-row seat to the legislative process.
The next generation is paying attention, and they are ready to lead.
Want to add your voice? Sign the letter urging your legislator to fund affordable homes now HERE.