Firms pipeline includes an under-construction affordable housing community, LIHTC tax-credit award and projects in various stages of development
BURLINGTON, NJ [July 22, 2026] – Since establishing Burlington County, NJ-based LJS Consulting and Development nearly three years ago, Founding Principal Lara J. Schwager has quickly emerged as a prominent leader in the highly specialized affordable housing advisory and development segment of multifamily housing. During this time, she has cultivated deep private-developer and public-official relationships, establishing the firm as a multi-faceted partner capable of navigating the complex intersections of private development and public policy.
As a result, LJS continues to expand its growing project pipeline that includes one affordable housing community under construction, another that recently received a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit award and several additional projects in various stages of development. Recently, Schwager – a founding board member of the New Jersey Chapter of the Woman’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) – was also named a leading woman in business for making significant, lasting contributions to the regional business community and economy.
“This latest acknowledgement isn’t just about constructing buildings, it’s about serving as a trusted advisor to the communities within which we have done and are doing work,” said Schwager. “At LJS, we believe affordable housing advisory and strategic development go hand in hand. Our achievements to date are a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve built with local governments and stakeholders to create true, lasting and positive change.”
A defining cornerstone of LJS Consulting and Development is its specialized consulting practice, which has rapidly become a valued lifeline for local governments. In this role, Schwager serves as an affordable housing advisor to municipalities, non-profit organizations and private stakeholders across New Jersey.
Known for her technical precision and deep mastery of regulatory frameworks, she expertly guides municipalities through the multi-layered requirements of affordable housing regulations, and community-centric development. Her advisory work ensures that local entities can proactively meet their state mandates while creating high-quality, sustainable multifamily housing solutions that seamlessly integrate into the existing fabric of their neighborhoods.
Simultaneously, under the LJS Development arm, Schwager continues to expand her firm’s footprint as an active developer. Her latest flagship project, located in Randolph, NJ, is reflective of her commitment to impactful, community-focused design. The transformative 100% affordable and special-needs multifamily development represents a major milestone for the firm, merging modern architectural standards with the strict functional and accessibility requirements necessary to support New Jersey’s diverse populations. By steering this multi-layered project from initial feasibility and planning through to active construction, Schwager continues to demonstrate how strategic real estate initiatives can revitalize suburban and urban environments alike.
In addition to her project delivery and advisory success, Schwager is widely recognized for her leadership and mentorship. In 2024, she became a founding Board Member and Vice President of Membership for WAHN-NJ, where she helps foster professional development and mentorship connections across the sector. Furthermore, she also continues to be involved with the New Jersey Builders Association, serving on committees that support responsible community development throughout the state.
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About LJS Consulting & Development
A certified woman-owned business enterprise (WBE), LJS Consulting and Development is a boutique real estate advisory and development firm based in Burlington, N.J. Established in December, 2023 by Founding Principal Lara J. Schwager, a 32-year industry veteran, LJS Consulting and Development deploys an integrated-platform approach for development, construction and delivery of attainable and inclusionary housing for all. Extensive client relationships include for-profit developers, nonprofit organizations, syndicators, banks and municipalities as well as investors seeking a profitable channel for increasing their commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.