Conference Connections 

Session Spotlight: Environmental Issues

More and more local leaders are stepping up to address environmental issues, putting concerns such as climate change, stormwater management, and sustainable practices at the forefront of municipal governance. The sessions below will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to secure funding for eco-friendly initiatives, establish tenets for environmental planning, and embrace best practices to lead your municipality towards a sustainable future. For CEU and speaker information, please see the Conference website or download the Conference app. 

Tuesday, November 14

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Contaminated Properties (Room 304)

Discussion on factors to consider when assessing contaminated properties and tax court opinions regarding the market value. 

Stormwater Management (Room 418)

Regulate stormwater to protect against flooding, enhance water quality, and encourage recharge. Review MS4 permits & Residential Site Improvement Standards compliance and assure that drainage is designed and implemented to protect your community. CEUs are free to NJPO members; non-members all-inclusive conference fee is $50. Courses require NJPO & League Conference registrations. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Resiliency in Planning (Room 301)

On Feb. 4, 2021, Gov. Murphy signed into law P.L. 2021, c6, amending the MLUL. Municipalities must incorporate a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment into Master Plan Land Use Elements. We will explore this required analysis of your master plan. CEUs are free to NJPO members; non-members all-inclusive conference fee is $50. Courses require NJPO & League Conference registrations. 

Tools of the Trade to Enhance Local Clean Communities Programs (Room 401)

Local Clean Communities Coordinators, municipal representatives, and elected officials will learn about what “tools” are available to enhance local clean communities programs. Speakers will provide insights to augment existing litter abatement initiatives with resourceful cleanup, education, and enforcement ideas. 

Wednesday, November 15

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Sustainable Jersey Program Update (Room 420)

Sustainable Jersey helps communities become more sustainable, save money, and improve the quality of life in New Jersey. Whether your municipality is certified, working toward certification, organizing an effort, or exploring possibilities, find out what’s new to help you get where you want to go. Learn about new actions, opportunities for grants and other assistance, and strategic initiatives. 

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wildlife and Our Parks (Room 315)

Over 800 species of wildlife roam New Jersey. Some animal populations are increasing while others continue to dwindle. Humans play an active role in supporting and encouraging species diversity while managing parks for recreational use. Wildlife-friendly parks may have more human/wildlife encounters. Animal species, habitat management, and wildlife conflicts will be discussed. 

Solar Carports: Using Federal Funding for Them (Room 316)

Did you know that the federal government has grant money available for solar installs? Learn how your municipality can use federal and state dollars for large-scale solar installations. This discussion will include outright as well as power-purchase agreements. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Think Outside the Bin Non-Mandated Recycling Initiatives (Room 421)

While traditional recycling markets remain challenging, many new municipal and school programs have flourished focusing on non-mandated materials, with food waste being a particularly hot topic. This session will review the current regulatory environment and innovative examples of local programs. This session is produced by Sustainable Jersey. 

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Furthering the Promise of Environmental Justing in New Jersey (Room 322)

Some environmental decisions disproportionately impact the health of certain communities. Learn from leaders about the foundations of the environmental justice movement, its relation to public health, and what NJ is doing to create healthy and just environments for all residents. 

Thursday, November 16

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Requirements for a Model Floodplain Ordinance (Room 301)

A look at the new standards recently adopted by the DEP as it relates to Model Floodplain ordinances. 

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Planning for Local Response to Climate Change (Room 420)

This session will review a model process to analyze climate vulnerability in a way that addresses resilience of the whole community, going beyond a project-based approach and toward a fuller understanding of climate risks. Tools and resources available to communities will be described to assist in using the planning process outlined in this session to reach clear land use goals as an outcome of a climate vulnerability assessment. This session is produced by Sustainable Jersey. 

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Open Space/Farmland Preservation (Room 418)

An update involving Green Acres, Farmland Preservation issues and Right to Farm protections and disputes. Co-Sponsored with NJLM. 

Tree Stewardship Improves Community Resilience and Equity (Room 421)

Community trees are critical infrastructure that provide many benefits, from improving quality of life to resilience to rising temperatures, heavy rainfall events and other climate impacts. Yet tree-cover is lacking in low-income neighborhoods where heat islands predominate. This session covers information useful for all municipalities: new state guidelines; sources of funding and technical assistance; and local examples and best practices in tree-planting, stewardship, and community involvement. This session is produced by Sustainable Jersey. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Stormwater Management: Map, Monitor and Maintain (Room 420)

This session will focus on tools, strategies, and funding that municipalities can use to meet the new NJDEP municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) permit requirements. Learn how to work with volunteers to advance better regional approaches and compliance and deliver cleaner water into New Jersey's water bodies. This session is produced by Sustainable Jersey.