Conference Connections 

Session Spotlight: Economic Development

Economic Development is vital to municipal prosperity, longevity, and sense of purpose. The sessions below will help develop strategies to set and achieve economic development goals. For CEU and speaker information, please see the Conference website or download the Conference app. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The State Plan Update: What’s In It For Your Town? Room 311 

The State Planning Commission is updating the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. Learn about the Plan, what it is and isn’t, and some of its challenges. Hear how it can help local planning officials implement good land use practices to provide a sustainable future. 

Is A P3 Right for Your Infrastructure Project? A Case Study, Room 415

Public entities now have procurement options when considering a capital infrastructure project. Public-Private Partnership agreements, known as P3, can have certain advantages over the traditional use of the Local Public Contracts Law. The panel, which is currently working through the process of the first P3 project under New Jersey’s P3 law, will offer a regulatory overview & provide insight from the views of both the public and private sector.

3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Downtown NJ: Attract & Retain Downtown Retail, Room 318

Hear about how to attract/retain small businesses with creative approaches. Best practices on attracting/retaining local businesses, maximizing ground-floor commercial space, connecting transit, and creating community events to revitalize downtowns. 

DEI: How Much Pie Is Left & How Should It Be Divided, Room 412

An in-depth look from strategic vantage points of the municipal government ecosystem on how local government can best incorporate DEI values into the fabric of its work culture and budgetary framework. You will hear directly about efforts that are being made to expand opportunities in ways that positively impact vendors, employees, and the community in general. 

Film Ready New Jersey, Room 417

New Jersey, a state rich in film and entertainment history as well as diverse landscapes, now provides municipalities a unique opportunity to take center stage. The Film Ready New Jersey Program is more than just lights, camera, action–it’s an open invitation for towns to become an integral part of the cinematic experience while reaping economic, cultural, and collaborative rewards. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

NJEDA - New Jersey: The Opportunity State, Room 301

Programs created by the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) and administered by the NJEDA create opportunities for businesses and communities to advance challenging projects that drive economic activity, create jobs, and foster thriving communities. Come to this session and learn about the programs run and how municipalities can benefit.  

2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Investing in Active Transportation: Test Ideas, Find Funding, Room 420

Learn how municipalities are creating a vision for walking, biking, and active transportation in their community. Find out about technical assistance opportunities; regional collaboration as well as new sources of funds for municipalities to implement improvements to make roads safer for all users. This session is produced by Sustainable Jersey. 

3:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Liquor License Reform and Your Town, Room 412

An expert panel will discuss the current state of affairs surrounding liquor licensing and potential reforms. 

Responsible Stewardship of Cannabis Social Equity Revenue, Room 419

Adequate investment of cannabis social equity revenue in poor communities of color—where the damage wrought by the drug war was and is most acute—will require a collaborative partnership between the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and the people and organizations who know their communities best. 

Thursday, November 16, 2023

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Stay NJ and What’s Next for Tax Relief, Room 403

With the adoption of Stay NJ, the Legislature and Administration are embarking on a multi-year effort to address tax relief. Hear from the Assembly Speaker on the program’s intent and future, a discussion of changes that municipalities will implement and a look ahead to how much relief is on the horizon. 

10:45 a.m.-12:00 noon

Developing Your Town’s Sustainable Success Through Tourism, Room 408

Join NJTIA tourism professionals and take part in the conversation for municipalities interested in not only growing but maintaining a strong local economy. As small businesses and nonprofits continue to face challenges there are new strategies officials can seek to increase investment, as well as encourage partnerships. The discussion will focus on the impact that tourism can bring to an area, along with new mechanisms that can sustain it.