State Issues

SHBP Proposals and Next Steps 

Ahead of the July 31 deadline, the Plan Design Committee (PDC) members were required to submit their proposals to achieve $100 million in recurring savings during the first six months of the Plan Year 26 to the actuary (AON).  

Read more: SHBP Proposals and Next Steps

Contacts: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112, and Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

DEP Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL), Notice of Proposed Substantial Changes and Responses to Public Comments  

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published a Notice of Substantial Change in the July 21, 2025, edition of the New Jersey Register.   

Read more: NJDEP Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL), Notice of Proposed Substantial Changes and Responses to Public Comments  

Contacts: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 137, Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112, and Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

DOT Adopts New Rules for Utility Accommodation  

On June 12, the NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) adopted new rules concerning capital program management with respect to utilities. 

Read more: DOT Adopts New Rules for Utility Accommodation  

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Natural Climate Solutions Grant Opportunity 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced $30 million in Natural Climate Solutions grants available to local governments and nonprofits. 

Read more: Natural Climate Solutions Grant Opportunity 

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

Federal Issues

FCC IGA Office Holds Quarterly Call 

The Federal Communications Commission Office of Intergovernmental Affairs held its regularly scheduled quarterly call last week. 

Read more: FCC IGA Office Holds Quarterly Call 

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

USDOT Seeks Comment on Surface Transportation Priorities 

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public comment by August 20 for the development of the next Surface Transportation Authorization. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts (IIJA) is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2026. 

Read more: USDOT Seeks Comment on Surface Transportation Priorities 

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program 

The HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program provides municipalities with an opportunity to apply for funding to address lead poisoning issues.  

Read more: Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program 

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

Apply for the Service Area Competition Grant 

The FY 2026 Service Area Competition (SAC) grant from HRSA is offering an opportunity for municipalities and public health entities to secure continued federal funding for primary care services in underserved areas. 

Read more: Apply for Service Area Competition Grant 

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

Conference Connections

Education Planning: Session List Live 

The preliminary Annual Conference Session Schedule is now available for review. The session rundown will expand over the coming weeks as details are finalized, listing times, places, session descriptions, speakers, and CEU credits as they are approved.  

Recognize Long-Serving Mayors and Elected Officials 

The League is accepting nominations for its Mayors’ Hall of Fame and Elected Officials Hall of Fame. Marking its 40th anniversary, the Mayors’ Hall of Fame is seeking nominations of candidates for the 2025 Mayors' Hall of Fame. These nominees must be serving as mayor and have at least 10 years of mayoral service to be inducted at the silver level, at least 20 years of mayoral service to be inducted at the gold level, and at least 30 years to be inducted at the platinum level.   

The Elected Officials' Hall of Fame is also accepting nominations for this year's inductees. Local municipal governing body members, active and retired, who have served for 20 or more years as a governing body member are eligible for inclusion.   

Time’s Running Out for Early Bird Pricing 

Early Bird pricing for Annual Conference registration ends on August 31, so register today!  

Early Bird pricing is $60 for government or nonprofit and $120 for non-government registrations.  

The League Accepting Applications for Innovation in Governance Program  

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey League of Municipalities will again acknowledge and promote Innovation in Governance through our annual recognition program. This is a great opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to any problems that have cropped up, either suddenly or over time, in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to let your peers in on innovations that prevent problems from arising. This year, the Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for new and distinctive approaches in any department of municipal government.   

The deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025. 

Visit our awards page to see previous years’ ideas created by our winning municipalities as well as the full invitation and application to this year’s program. For more information on the contest, contact Ciara Bradley, League Research Associate, CBradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 128.  

Also of Interest

NJ Clean Communities “Be a Litter Rock Star” Slogan Contest 

New Jersey Clean Communities invites residents of all ages to join the “Be a Litter Rock Star” Slogan Contest. Winning slogans will be featured in future campaigns across New Jersey. The deadline to participate is August 21. 

Read more: NJ Clean Communities “Be a Litter Rock Star” Slogan Contest 

2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development 

The 2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development will be held September 16-17 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Registration is now open and will close on September 8. The housing deadline is August 15.  

Read more: 2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development 

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Reminder: Complete Salary Survey 

Remember to complete the League’s Salary Survey. This is a friendly reminder to submit your responses to the League’s Salary Survey before September 1st. Your input plays a vital role in helping us create a comprehensive snapshot of compensation trends across municipalities statewide. 

The results from the survey will be published and available in September.   

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