State Issues

SHBP Plan Design Committee Meeting to be Held on September 24 

The State Health Benefits Commission Plan Design Committee is scheduled to hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 24.  

Read more: SHBP Plan Design Committee Meeting to be held on September 24 

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

DLGS Issues Local Finance Notice on Recently Enacted PILOT Law 

The Division of Local Government Services recently issued Local Finance Notice 2025-12 providing guidance on P.L. 2025, c.91, which amended the “Long-Term Exemption Law."  

Read more: DLGS Issues Local Finance Notice on Recently Enacted PILOT Law 

Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

DLGS Issues LFN 2025-13 Regarding Best Practices Inventory   

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice 2025-13 regarding the Best Practices Inventory due on October 24 for all municipalities, including State fiscal year municipalities.     

Read more: DLGS Issues LFN 2025-13 regarding Best Practices Inventory

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

League Comments on DEP PACT/REAL Rule Proposal  

On September 19, the League submitted comments to the DEP regarding this Notice of Substantial Change, expressing continued concerns over the impact they will have on municipal governments and taxpayers. Other stakeholders, including individual municipalities and counties, have also submitted comments expressing concerns regarding the changes.    

Read more: League Comments on DEP PACT/REAL Rule Proposal  

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120, and Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

League Comments on NJDEP/3M Settlement   

The League submitted comments in response to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Notice to Receive Interested Party Comments on the Proposed Judicial Consent Order (JCO) to the DEP, as well as several of its members, experts, and other interested parties.    

Read more: League Comments on NJDEP/3M Settlement   

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120, and Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

League Comments on NJHMFA Proposed New UHAC Regulations  

After collaboration with experts on Affordable Housing, the League has submitted comments to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) on the proposed 2025 Uniform Housing Affordability Controls (UHAC) regulations. 

Read more: League Comments on NJHMFA Proposed New UHAC Regulations  

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120, and Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Alcohol Beverage Control Proposes New Regulations 

The Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) has proposed three new regulations and amendments to existing rules, which include a Special Permit to Hold a Consumer Alcoholic Beverage Festival Event, Limited Brewery Rules, and Craft Distillery Regulations. Comments are due by November 1. 

Read more: Alcohol Beverage Control Proposes New Regulations 

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

Acting Governor Signs Bill for Lead Disclosure and Testing Requisites 

Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-2929/S-1034 into law. P.L. 2025, c. 144 requires landlords to report information about potential lead in the drinking water of residential units. 

Read more: Acting Gov Signs Bill for Lead Disclosure and Testing Requisites 

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

Legislation Signed to Establish New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs 

Governor Murphy recently signed legislation that would establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).  

Read more: Legislation Signed to Establish New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs 

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

Seven Northeastern States Form Public Health Collaborative 

Seven Northeastern states have been collaborating since early 2025 and have formally announced the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. It is a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies brought together to share expertise and improve coordination. 

Read more: Seven Northeastern States Form Public Health Collaborative 

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

State Announces $130.7 Million Opioid Settlement Funds Investment  

The State announced an investment of $130.7 million in opioid settlement funds to expand harm reduction services and launch new community-based support initiatives for families impacted by substance use.

Read more: State Announces $130.7 Million Opioid Settlement Funds Investment  

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

NJ Municipalities Blog: Grant at Work-Scotch Plains’ Community Energy Plan 

This week’s NJ Municipalities blog looks at the first steps in the creation of Scotch Plains Township’s Community Energy Plan. 

Scotch Plains is examining its policies and forging a path to efficiency through the creation of a Community Energy Plan (CEP). With the CEP, the township is eligible to apply for additional state funding to help implement local projects outlined in its plans.  

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

Congress at Impasse Over Government Funding  

On Friday, the House voted 217-212 in favor of funding the federal government at current levels through November 21. The Senate, which requires 60 votes, rejected the legislation by a vote of 44-48.  

Read more: Congress at Impasse Over Government Funding  

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

Floodplain Restoration & Culvert Upgrades Grant Available  

Municipalities can apply for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s FY25 National Fish Passage Program to support dam removals, culvert upgrades, floodplain restoration, and fishway installations. 

Read more: Floodplain Restoration & Culvert Upgrades Grant Available  

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

American Battlefield Protection Program Battlefield Restoration Grants 

Municipalities can apply for the National Park Service’s FY2025 American Battlefield Protection Program’s Battlefield Restoration Grants. 

Read more: American Battlefield Protection Program Battlefield Restoration Grants 

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

Conference Connections

Secure Your Place: Get Your Tickets to League Events Today  

On Wednesday, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. 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.  

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

On Thursday, starting at 12:15 p.m., the Annual Conference ends with the League Delegates Luncheon, which puts you in the room with League and State leadership. Fee: $45.   

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.  Please note that the Mayor’s Lunch Briefing is only open to Mayors and two of their guests.  

Exhibit Hall Expands: Map Your Visit 

Plan now to maximize your networking opportunities by reviewing the Exhibit Hall interactive map. The Exhibit Hall will be four aisles larger this year to create an even more informative and inspiring experience for attendees.  

Block Closing Soon: Conference Hotel Deadline Approaches  

The League's room blocks, which close on October 10, provide the best rates and shuttle bus service to the AC Convention Center along with payment by purchase order. Ensure your best Conference experience, book your housing for the Annual Conference now.  

Education Options: 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. 

NJLMEF Conference Kick Off: Hometown Security & Human Trafficking Focus 

This year, on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., the NJLM Educational Foundation (NJLMEF) will hold its annual kick-off event with a focus on Hometown Security & Human Trafficking. The event, which includes breakfast, is free, but registration is required, and it will open next month.  

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

NJ Municipalities Magazine: Watch for Renewal Emails   

Our new subscription system is 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.