October 11, 2024

State Issues

Blog: NJDEP REAL Rule Proposal

The NJDEP introduced sweeping changes to land use regulations through the REAL Rule proposal. These changes will significantly impact municipalities across the state. Please read the League’s recent blog post for more information on the proposal.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Minimum Wage Increases to $15.49 Effective January 1, 2025

New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2025.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Reminder: Best Practices Inventory Due October 25    

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2024-13, which released the Best Practices Inventory to all municipalities. The Best Practices Inventory is due Friday, October 25, 2024.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

State Health Benefits Program Open Enrollment Closes October 31

Enrollment for the Plan Year 2025 SHBP closes on October 31. For information about changes, please read the League’s recent blog post. If your municipality is interested in how to select a plan, please watch the League’s recent Lunch & Learn webinar.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for PERS Board Trustee Election

The New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits is accepting nominations to fill one elected municipal representative position on the PERS Board of Trustees.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Federal

EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Removal of Lead Pipes

On October 8, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Also of Interest

Navigating the NJDEP Seminar 4 - Unlocking State Funding

Join the NJDEP for a webinar that will help participants understand and leverage state funding opportunities to support community projects.

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

Register for Oct. 15 Lunch & Learn on Homeless Encampments

The Department of Community Affairs will discuss Homeless Encampments during the League’s Lunch & Learn webinar on Tuesday, October 15, at noon.

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

League Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Innovation in Governance Awards Program

Through our annual recognition program, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) will again acknowledge and promote Innovation in Governance. This is a great opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to any problems that have cropped up in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to let your peers in on innovations that prevent problems from arising. The Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for new and distinctive approaches in any municipal government department. You can apply through our new online application process this year, or simply print and send it via email or mail! The nomination deadline is Friday, October 25, 2024.

Visit our awards page to see previous years of impressive ideas created by our winning municipalities as well as the full invitation and application to this year’s program.

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

2024 League Conference

Five Women Honored for Contributions to Local Government

After the Annual Conference sessions have concluded on Wednesday, November 20, elected officials and local government enthusiasts gather to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding women in New Jersey government.

The WIMG Networking & Awards Event will be held in the Crown Ballroom of the Sheraton at 5:30 p.m. The ticketed event will include a reception with plenty of time for networking followed by the presentation of this year's awards to five women who have achieved professionally while also inspiring and helping others in local government to achieve as well.

This year’s winners are:

BettyAnn Cowling-Carson, Mayor, Magnolia
Janet Hoven, Mayor, Chester Borough
Della McCall-Fisher, Director of Community Engagement & Filming Coordinator, Paterson
Jacqueline Suarez, Commissioner, Department of Community Affairs and Director, Division of Local Government Services
Kim-Marie White, Municipal Clerk, Local Registrar, Township Manager, and Qualified Purchasing Agent, Eastampton Township.

For ticketing information, please visit the League Event Tickets (njlm.org) webpage.

Send in Your Conference Resolutions to Guide the League in 2025

The Conference is rapidly approaching. If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local governance, send in a Conference Resolution for consideration at this year’s Annual Conference. Any elected officials currently in municipal office, municipal professionals, and members of the League’s 21 Affiliate groups can send in a resolution, which is reviewed by League staff and presented at the Resolutions Committee meeting during the Annual League Conference. 

You can submit a topic you feel is important by completing a form for consideration. If you already have a resolution drafted, please submit your resolution for consideration. 

Visit the Conference Resolutions webpage for more details on the process, a League staff contact, and answers to other questions you may have. 

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

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