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November 7, 2024

Conference Connections 

Session Spotlight: Health and Public Safety 

Health and public safety are critical pillars of community well-being, and the 2024 League Conference will offer sessions highlighting innovative strategies for improving healthcare access, strengthening emergency preparedness, and building safer, more resilient communities. For CEU and speaker information, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app from your device’s store.      

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.  League Educational Foundation Kickoff Breakfast 

For early arrivers, please join the League Educational Foundation for a Conference Kickoff breakfast at 9 a.m. The invited Keynote Speaker Jennie Blakney, State Adolescent Health Coordinator for NJ Department of Health, will discuss the State’s mental health initiatives, with a particular focus on our youth. The breakfast is free, but registration is required at www.njlm.org/Kickoff_NJLMEF 

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Elected Officials & Senior Management ICS 402 Training (Room 201/202) 

FEMA's ICS 402 course for Elected Officials & Senior Management explores areas in emergency management with which such officials need to be familiar. As mandated in NJ, the course covers emergency operation plans, action planning, standard operating procedures and guidelines, and delegation. 

2:00 p.m. –3:15 p.m.  Health Departments in Action: Best Practices for Your Community (Room 301) 

Join local health departments from around the state who will provide examples of how they responded to unique community needs.  

2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.  Navigating Mobility & Accessibility Challenges (Room 305/306) 

A panel of experts will discuss the complex landscape of mobility and accessibility and discuss innovative strategies to help pave the way for enhanced mobility and accessibility. 

2:00 p.m. –3:15 p.m.  New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Update (Room 316) 

A broad base overview of the responsibilities of the Division of Fire Safety; the recently adopted 2018 New Jersey Edition of the Uniformed Fire Code; the Division’s transition to the new registration and inspection management system; and a presentation on the required and minimum recommended qualifications and certifications for the fire service. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  Improving Community Health with the Mayors Wellness Campaign (Room 414) 

Learn innovative strategies from Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) mayors. The panel will share their experiences, give tips on starting a program in your community, and share the benefits of bringing health and wellness to your towns. A must for any community members looking to begin or enhance their MWC. 

2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.  OEM & Building Department Staff Roles & Responsibilities During Emergencies (Room 415) 

Emergency Management and Building Department staff rules and responsibilities. 

3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  Lead-Based Paint: Resources & Requirements for Owners & Towns (Room 409) 

There are over 1 million homes in NJ that were built before 1978; many of these units still have lead-based paint. Learn about State resources that are available to help low- and moderate-income households remediate and/or abate their homes, updates to the Lead-Based Paint Inspection Law and the recently created Inspection Portal to better support municipalities in meeting their statutory obligations. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  What’s New in Cannabis? (Room 311) 

Hear from New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission officials about what is new in the state’s cannabis market. They will provide an update on the growth of the industry since 2021 and on new developments like consumption areas, intoxicating hemp products, and what municipalities that opt in can expect as they welcome cannabis businesses into their community. 

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Building a Sustainable EMS Workforce (Room 405/406) 

EMS needs are growing, and towns need a creative plan on how they are going to recruit and retain EMS, regardless of if it is a volunteer or paid service. 

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  NJ State Fire Commission Meeting (Hall A) 

Regular Meeting of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission. All fire service personnel and all Conference attendees with an interest in fire safety should attend this meeting. Topics include firefighter training, incident command, homeland security, the Uniform Fire Code, and public fire education. 

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  In Building Emergency Responder Communication Systems (Room 320) 

In building emergency responder communications systems are a critical component of the safety of not only firefighters but police officers and emergency medical responders. Being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Those involved with first responder safety are encouraged to attend. 

10:45 a.m. –12:00 p.m.  State of Health (Room 402) 

An update on the state of health in New Jersey. Highlights priorities for the year ahead. 

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.  NJFPPA Fire Service Education (Room 416) 

Fire safety code compliance for buildings under construction. 

2:00 p.m. –3:15 p.m.  How to Modernize Public Health in New Jersey (Room 410) 

Provides a framework to modernize what governmental public health looks like in New Jersey. 

3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  State of the State Health Benefits Program & Options (Room 412) 

A discussion of the state of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and what options local governments must provide health benefits to employees. 

3:45 p.m. –5:00 p.m.  Boosting the Benefits of Your Municipal Tree Canopy (Room 421) 

Your community’s trees are among its chief assets. With proper investment, they will provide sustainable economic, environmental, health, and other life-enhancing benefits. Guidance and resources for municipalities on how to enhance and sustain the benefits of trees in your community. 

Thursday, November 21, 2024  

 9:00 a.m. –10:15 a.m.  Empowering Communities Through Environmental Justice (Room 307) 

This roundtable session will introduce the New Jersey League of Municipalities to the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Program. This program is designed to empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities to address critical environmental justice and health issues. 

10:45 a.m. –12:00 p.m.  The Municipal Cannabis Matrix Update (Room 414) 

Discussion of Municipal Cannabis 101 and proposed Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act. Municipal officials discuss cannabis in their towns, and when sued by disgruntled cannabis businesses and how judges rule. Law enforcement official will discuss police enforcement and smoke-free laws. Co-sponsored with NJLM.