September 10, 2025

State Issues

FY2026 AHTF RFP Released

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released the Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Request for Proposal (RFP) on Friday, September 5. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on October 3, and the funding is anticipated to be announced on November 7.

UPDATE - 2026 SHBC Rate Renewal Meeting

The State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) met last week and adopted the proposed Plan Year 2026 renewal rates.

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 and State Unions Announce Health Care Savings Agreement

Governor Murphy and State public sector unions announced an agreement to achieve $75 million in health benefit savings for the last six months of FY26. This does not apply to participating local government employers and employees, but may provide a template.

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.

FAST Annual and Supplemental Debt Statement Update

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has created an updated process for the Financial Automation Submission Tracking (FAST) System for Annual and Supplemental Debt Statements.

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

Comment Period for DEP’s Proposed “REAL” Rules Ends September 19

Comments for the DEP’s proposed substantial changes to its Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL) rules can be submitted until September 19 through the NJDEP’s site.

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120, Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137, or Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

The DEP Approves DuPont Settlement

On September 2, the DEP and the NJ Spill Compensation Fund approved a Settlement with DuPont, et al. to resolve pending litigation involving discharges of PFAS in the state.

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120, Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110, or Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

NJSTART 101 Training Webinar

The NJ Department of Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property (DPP), is hosting a NJSTART 101 Training Webinar to provide local governments with information concerning procurement and purchasing through Statewide contracts.

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

**NJ Municipalities Blog: Lakewood’s Squad Goals for Fundraising**

This week’s NJ Municipalities blog shares the story of Lakewood’s part in the fight against breast cancer.

Lakewood Township municipal employees have formed a special “Lakewood Squad” fundraising team for the upcoming “2025 New Jersey More Than Pink Walk,” by Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer foundation, slated for Sunday, October 5, at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

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.   

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x123. 

Federal Issues

House Transportation Committee Advances FEMA Reform Legislation

Last week, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced bipartisan legislation to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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

Conference Connections

Book Your Conference Hotel Today

Ensure your best Conference experience, book your housing for the Annual Conference now. The League's room blocks, which close in October, provide the best rates and shuttle bus service to the AC Convention Center. Book early for your preferred hotel—room blocks will sell out!  

Check for Session Updates

The Annual Conference Session Schedule has been expanding over the past weeks as details are finalized and CEU credits are approved. Please visit often to confirm your session planning.

Exhibit Hall Expands for 2025

This year, the Exhibit Hall will be four aisles larger 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 3:00 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 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, x128.  

Grants

Grants for the DOJ Violence Against Women Program Available

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is offering municipalities the opportunity to lead community-based justice reform through the FY 2025 Restorative Practices Pilot Sites Program.

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

2026 Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) Grants Program

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the 2026 Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) Grants program.

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

Update on Urban Heat Island Mitigation Grant Program

NJBPU has an update on how to apply for the Urban Heat Island Mitigation Grant Program.

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

Also of Interest

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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