Conference Connections 

Session Spotlight: Municipal Finance 

Equip yourself with the right knowledge for your town’s financial future at our Municipal Finance sessions. Delve into topics ranging from the profound impact of COVID-19 on municipal finances to strategies for maximizing federal grant opportunities. Arm yourself with the insights and tools these sessions offer, ensuring you're well-prepared for future challenges. For CEU and speaker information, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app. 

Tuesday, November 14 

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

The Impact of the Pandemic on Municipal Finances, Room 401

Highlighting academic research from national and NJ perspectives on the impacts the pandemic has had on municipal revenue and spending patterns. Sharing findings from a national/state study, discussing intersections of the research with daily financial operations, and forecasts for municipal budgets upon conclusion of ARP funding. 

2:00-3:15 p.m.

Budget & Audit Updates, Room 302 

Explore budget, accounting, and financial policy changes, and issues that will affect municipal officials in 2023. Review levy caps, and new legislation, regulations, and policies that affect municipal operations. 

3:45-5:00 p.m. 

Purchasing & Elected Officials, Room 315 

Helping elected and appointed local government officials better understand the ins and outs of the Local Public Contracts Law (LPCL) to better achieve the outcomes they expect through contracting.  

Maximizing Federal Grant Opportunities, Room 403 

Several federal spending laws provide opportunities for municipalities to apply for federal funding to fund road repairs, fix bridges, expand broadband, and replace lead pipes. This timely session will help municipal officials develop best practices to identify, apply for, and utilize these funds to improve their communities. 

Wednesday, November 15

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Solar Carports: Using Federal Funding for Them, Room 316

Did you know that the federal government has grant money available for solar installs? Learn how your municipality can use federal and state dollars for large-scale solar installations. This discussion will include outright as well as power-purchase agreements. 

Follow the Money: The Sequel, Room 413

Federal funding is available to ensure broadband access. Billions of dollars have begun to flow to the states for distribution. This panel will explore the status of NJ’s broadband deployment program, how municipalities can access the money, and what to do with it once it arrives at the local level. 

3:45–5:15 p.m. 

Getting Municipal Construction Right Procurement, & Compliance (Room 403)

Experienced public & private sector professionals will explain how to best manage procurement laws for public construction, explore recent statutory and regulatory updates, policy options available to public entities, & common mistakes & misconceptions.  

Thursday, November 16

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Stay NJ & 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. 

How to Reduce the Incidence of Fraud in Municipal Operations, Room 415

Fraud prevention and awareness overview in a session from Tax Collectors & Treasurers of NJ.