January 26, 2024

State Issues

Senate Committee Advances Affordable Housing Bills

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced a package of affordable housing bills, including a bill that would overhaul the state’s Fair Housing Act and affordable housing policy.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Court Declines to Force Governor to Appoint Members of COAH

An appellate panel has declined to force Governor Murphy to make appointments to the Council on Affordable Housing, ruling it lacks the authority to compel the governor to make nominations.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Division Releases Guidance on Levy Cap Referendum Procedures

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) issued Local Finance Notice 2024-02, which provides guidance on the Calendar Year 2024 Municipal Levy Cap Referendum Procedures.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Russia-Belarus Law Scaled Back After Court Ruling

NJ Treasury has made changes to its list of persons and entities with ties to Russia or Belarus banned from public contracts. Instead of a separate list, Treasury has adopted the U.S. list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Application Process Open for LEAP Grants

FY 2024 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant applications are now being accepted for $7.5 million in available funding. The program is aimed at encouraging towns to streamline government services to increase efficiency.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund Grants

Department of Community Affairs announced the New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund grant round for 2024. The digital applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on April 18.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

DOH Asks Local Entities to Complete Survey?

The NJ Department of Health (DOH) is seeking input on the redesign of the DOH’s Parent Link website.?

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Federal Issues

Pascrell Offers Amendment to End SALT Cap Deduction

Last week, during a House Ways and Means Committee meeting, NJ Congressman Pascrell offered an amendment to expand the SALT cap deduction from $10,000 to $60,000 for single filers and $120,000 for joint filers. It was not agreed to.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

NLC 2nd Vice President Testifies in Favor of NFIP Reauthorization

Athens, Ohio, Mayor Steve Patterson, NLC’s Second Vice President testified in favor of long-term NFIP reauthorization before the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on Thursday.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

Hosts Needed for RevolutionNJ Temporary Art Installations

RevolutionNJ is looking for potential host for temporary art installations in preparation for the 250th anniversary of United States.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Show Off Your City: Final Weeks for Entries

It’s the two-week countdown for the Show Off Your City Contest! Photos of your tourist attractions, downtown areas, economic development initiatives, parks, city halls, community groups, and new projects–whatever shows off your municipality–will be accepted through February 9.

Entries will be posted on the League’s Facebook page, website, and some will be featured in the April issue of NJ Municipalities, and possibly other issues. The winner will also receive a free League publication of their choice!

Photos can be submitted via the form on the league website, email to aspiezio@njlm.org, or mailed on a flash drive to 222 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. For full details, visit the Show Off Your City Contest webpage.

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