State Issues

August 31 Deadline to Challenge Affordable Housing Element 

This Sunday, August 31, is the deadline for interested parties to challenge the validity of a municipality’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. 

Read more: August 31 Deadline to Challenge Affordable Housing Element 

Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.

AON Releases Scoring of Health Savings Proposals 

AON has completed the actuarial analysis and scoring of both the State’s and Labor’s proposed cost-saving measures. The Plan Design Committee is scheduled to meet on August 27 and may vote upon the proposals that AON has verified as cost savings. 

Read more: AON Releases Scoring of Health Savings Proposals 

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

Governor Signs Bill Revising Theater Liquor Licenses 

Governor Murphy recently signed legislation that permits the issuance of theater liquor licenses to certain non-profit corporations and allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages.

Read more: Governor Signs Bill Revising Theater Liquor Licenses 

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

Expanded Public Transportation Options in Southern New Jersey  

Governor Murphy announced three initiatives to expand and modernize public transportation options in southern New Jersey. 

Read more: Expanded Public Transportation Options in Southern New Jersey  

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

LFN 2025-11 Explains the BPU Direct Install Program  

On July 16, 2025, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) released information focusing on the open network model of the Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program offered by many electric and gas utilities throughout the State. 

Read more: LFN 2025-11 Explains the BPU Direct Install Program  

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

Governor Signs First Responders’ Workers’ Compensation Legislation 

Governor Murphy signed S-4590/A-5792. This legislation provides workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health-related communications are confidential. 

Read more: Governor Signs First Responders’ Workers’ Compensation Legislation 

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

NJ Municipalities Blog: Happy 286th Birthday, Isaac Pearson of Hamilton (Mercer)   

This week’s NJ Municipalities summer story blog shares how Hamilton Township (Mercer) is preserving local colonial history.  

The Historical Society of Hamilton Township celebrated the 286th birthday of Isaac Pearson on August 3. According to a recent Township Update from Hamilton (Mercer), Isaac Pearson was born in 1739 and raised in Nottingham Township (Hamilton Township, Mercer County), and his house, purchased by Hamilton Township in 2000, remains in its original location.  The National Register Landmark will be open to the public when restoration is completed. 

Want to share your local story? Please send in your 300 to 1,000-word items and photos to Editor Amy Spiezio at aspiezio@njlm.org.    

Read More: NJM Blog-Happy Birthday, Isaac Pearson of Hamilton (Mercer) 

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 123. 

The Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) Program is Open 

The Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program is now accepting applications from eligible public agencies, municipalities, and qualified nonprofit organizations throughout New Jersey to support home repairs for low-income residents.   

Read more: The Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) Program is Open 

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

Resilient NJ Grant Program Open       

The Resilient NJ program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Climate Resilience, is now accepting applications for regional climate resilience planning grants. 

Read more: Resilient NJ Grant Program Open 

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

DCA Adopts Amendment to UCC for Final Inspection Regulations 

After publishing in the New Jersey Register, accepting comments, and responding to them, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs adopted an amendment to the Uniform Construction Code in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18. 

Read more: DCA Adopts Amendment to UCC for Final Inspection Regulations 

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

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

Juvenile Justice Commission Readopts Juvenile Detention Rules with Amendments  

The Juvenile Justice Commission readopted rules with amendments concerning the detention of juveniles in municipal and other adult facilities.    

Read more: Juvenile Justice Commission Readopts Juvenile Detention Rules with Amendments   

Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 137.

Federal Issues

Senator Booker Seeking NFIP Guidance 

Senator Booker would like to hear from local government stakeholders as the U.S. Senate prepares to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Read more: Senator Booker Seeking NFIP Guidance 

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

Innovative Finance and Asset Grant Program Opportunity 

The Finance and Asset Concession Grant Program, run by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau, is now open. 

Read more: Innovative Finance and Asset Grant Program Opportunity 

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

Conference Connections

Early Bird Pricing Ends August 31  

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.   

Steps to Success at the Annual Conference  

Book your housing for the Annual Conference.  Book a hotel room through the League's official room blocks to ensure the best Conference experience. The League's room blocks provide the best rates and shuttle bus service to the AC Convention Center. Book early for your preferred hotel—room blocks will sell out! 

Consider Your Course Options. The preliminary list of the 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.  

Plan your visit to the Exhibit Hall. This year the Exhibit Hall will be 4 aisles larger in 2025 to create an even more informative and inspiring experience for attendees. Plan now to maximize your networking opportunities by reviewing the Exhibit Hall interactive map. 

Save Time for League Events. On Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., the NJLM Educational Foundation will hold its annual kick-off event, more information will be published as it becomes available. Also on Tuesday, at 3:15 p.m. the Resolutions Committee will gather to discuss the resolutions that local government officials have submitted for consideration. The session is open to all, but only members of the Resolutions Committee may vote.  

On Wednesday, the Mayors’ Lunch Briefing will welcome state department heads and will also recognize the nominees for the Mayors’ Hall of Fame for 10, 20, or 30+ years of service and nominated Elected Officials with at least 20 years of service. Fee: $30  

At the end of the day, show your support for women’s outstanding achievements at the Women in Municipal Government Networking & Awards Event from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Fee: $35  

On Thursday, the Annual Conference ends strong with the League Delegates Luncheon, which puts you in the room with League and State leadership. Fee: $45.   

The League’s final event for the Conference is the Annual Business Meeting at 3:00 in the Sheraton’s Crown Ballroom. Meet the newest Officers and Executive Board members and learn about the plans for 2026. No fee to attend.  

Tickets can be purchased during the registration process, or process or added later by editing your existing Conference registration. Only those with a Conference badge may attend the ticketed events.  

Apply for the Innovation in Governance Program   

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) are accepting applications for the  Innovation in Governance through our annual recognition program through Friday, October 3, 2025.  

Showcase innovative solutions developed in your municipality. 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

NJILGA & Rutgers Offer Diplomate in Local Government Law 

The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA) has partnered with Rutgers University to offer a Diplomate in Local Government Law. This voluntary certification program provides six comprehensive courses covering municipal law topics.  

Read more: NJILGA & Rutgers Offer Diplomate in Local Government Law 

Discussion of “The American Revolution” with Ken Burns 

RevolutionNJ has announced “An Afternoon with Ken Burns,” moderated by Brian Williams, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on September 17. The event includes a preview of the upcoming six-part 12-hour documentary, “The American Revolution,” which prominently features New Jersey.  

Tickets are now available for purchase. 

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 was 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 

This is a friendly reminder to submit your responses to the League’s Salary Survey before September 1. 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.

NJ Municipalities Magazine: Watch for Renewal Emails   

Our new subscription system is slowly rolling out to ensure we have a smooth transition. Those who have an email address on file have been emailed their subscription renewals. Ask your staff to check their inboxes for renewal notifications. The new online system will make it easier for subscribers to update and manage their subscriptions online throughout the year. If your subscription is part of a group subscription, renewals have been sent to the person responsible for managing your group.  

Not a subscriber yet? Visit the League's website to sign up before the October issue mails.

Contact: Tasneem Kapadia, Advertising & Subscription Manager, tkapadia@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x121  

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