Conference Connections
Session Spotlight: Economic Development
Between the COVID-19 recovery and concerns for a recession on the horizon, economic development plays a key role for New Jersey’s future. The League Conference sessions below will explore how to build a better community through relationships with the public and private sectors, a deep dive into the Economic Recovery Act, and the tools available for local governments. For CEU, speaker information, and Affiliate sessions, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app.
Tuesday, November 15
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Building for the Future: A Private Sector Perspective (Room 303). Building our infrastructure for the challenges for the future requires partnership between the private and public sectors. Hear from private sector leaders on their vision for the future.
Film Readiness (Room 309). Next year, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission is launching a statewide program to have municipalities certified as “film-ready”: ready and prepared to cooperate with movie and television producers. This panel discussion will also preview that effort, and attendees will be invited to participate in the program.
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Transit Friendly Planning: A Guide for New Jersey Communities (Room 409). The new Guide is a resource designed to assist community members, elected and appointed officials, members of planning and zoning boards, technical planning staff, community groups, and those who are interested in making land use decisions around transit facilities that assist in improving mobility and access to transit. NJ TRANSIT staff will provide an overview of the Guide’s five chapters, explain how the Guide can be used in communities of all sizes, discuss planning around emerging topics (micro mobility, curbside management, etc.), describe technical assistance opportunities, and answer any questions.
Wednesday, November 16
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Economic Recovery Act of 2020: Fueling Community Projects (Room 301). Programs in the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 better quality of life, including repurposing dormant historic properties, combatting food deserts, & ensuring incentivized companies and developers give back. Community Benefit Agreements ensure towns reap the rewards of new developments. The Historic Property Reinvestment and Food Security Planning Grant programs transform distressed properties.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Follow the Money: Accessing Broadband Funding (Jt. w/JAG) (Room 413). Last year the federal government approved $65 billion dollars to improve broadband deployment and adoption. That funding will flow from the Federal Government to the states for distribution. This panel will explore the way municipalities can apply for grants, and how it can be used once it arrives at the local level.
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
UEZ Funds: Transforming & Revitalizing Communities (Room 416). Rising costs, market changes, and pandemic recovery are resulting in an increased need for assistance, support, and enhanced access to resources within our urban centers. A discussion of how Urban Enterprise Zone municipalities are allocating available resources and investing to help local businesses thrive, neighborhoods revitalize, and economies re-energize. This session is open to all.
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Future of Liquor Licensing in New Jersey (Room 412). With the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey, many eyes are now looking to see reform in the alcohol beverage industry. How will reform look for the Garden State and in a post-pandemic world?
Thursday, November 17
9:00 a.m. – 10: 15 a.m.
State Brownfields Resource Suite Prepares Communities for Development (Room 411). Remediation and redevelopment of brownfields are critical first steps in New Jersey’s strategy for redevelopment that advances economic growth while curtailing environmental impacts and supporting climate change resiliency. An overview of brownfield resources that attendees can use to support redevelopment in their communities, from technical assistance to tax credits and other financing tools.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tourism Tools for Local Economic Development (Room 408). Discussion of tourism and economic development including staff changes, obtaining working papers, the changing demand for downtowns with work-week flexibility, remote office, reestablishing gathering places, and leveraging high profile events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 250th Revolutionary War Anniversary. Also, focusing on DMO and American Rescue Plan strategies to gauge recovery success.
League Events at the Annual Conference
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend League Events at the Annual Conference. To purchase tickets on site, please visit the 2nd-floor Registration Desk at the Atlantic City Convention Center right of Hall C and ask for Marie Kizer or Johnnifer Harris.
Mayors’ Lunch Briefing
Wednesday, November 16, 12 Noon, Crown Ballroom, Sheraton
Join mayors from around the state. Honor your peers for their achievements in the League’s Hall of Fame and the Innovation in Governance awards and build a dialogue with the directors of State agencies. Lively discussions during the event provide information not only from the speakers, but from the audience. Featured speakers include Lieutenant Governor/DCA Commissioner Sheila Oliver and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. ($30 per person. Mayors Lunch Briefing tickets are limited to the Mayor and two (2) guests of the Mayors choosing)
Women in Municipal Government Networking & Awards Event
Wednesday, November 16, 5:15 PM, Crown Ballroom, Sheraton
After Annual Conference sessions have concluded, gather with other elected and appointed officials as well as local government supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding women in New Jersey municipal government. Honorees include Sheena Collum, Village President, South Orange Village and Olga Garcia, City Engineer, Hoboken, and President, NJSME. ($35 per person.)
League Delegates Luncheon
Thursday, November 17, 12 Noon, Crown Ballroom, Sheraton
Gather for this sit-down lunch which puts you in the room with League and State leadership and starts 2023 on the right foot. The League Delegates Luncheon is a gathering of local government officials and those who support their work. Whether a longtime member or newly elected, its is an inspiring way to wrap up your Conference week. The League will honor David Grubb, Executive Director of the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund, and Edward J. McManimon III, League Counsel and Of Counsel at McManimon Scotland and Baumann, with the Distinguished Public Service Award. Governor Phil Murphy is the keynote speaker. ($45 per person).