October 31, 2024

Conference Connections

Session Spotlight: Economic Development Issues 

Economic Development is a crucial component of municipal growth. During the 2024 League Conference, there are a variety of sessions that focus on Economic Development. For CEU and speaker information, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app.     

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  Get Ready for America’s 250th Birthday! (Room 419) 

In 2026 New Jersey will join the rest of the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America through programs, celebrations, and events. Learn how your municipality should start planning now to highlight New Jersey’s significant role in the revolution and celebrate this once-in-a- generation event. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  Arts as a Catalyst: Partnering Across Sectors for Economic Growth (Room 416) 

Join ArtPride New Jersey for a conversation with leaders in the public, private, and arts sectors to discuss how partnerships between the arts, private business, and government are the future of economic vitality, community resilience, and collective sustainability. 

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Erect-a-Sector: Municipal Innovations for Community Building (Room 312) 

Engage with fellow municipal managers on practical approaches to community building. Panelists will cover merging talent and technology, economic development, family-friendly policies, and inclusive workforces. Learn tools and innovative strategies for proactive community-building efforts. Exchange ideas and drive positive change. 

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Resources to Support Your Downtown (Room 318) 

Hear about how to attract/retain small businesses with creative approaches. Best practices on attracting/retaining local businesses, maximizing ground-floor commercial space, connecting transit, and creating community events to revitalize downtowns.  

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  When Hollywood Comes Knocking: Tips for Your Town (Room 417) 

Towns across the Garden State are providing the backdrop for film and television projects and are reaping the economic benefits that come with hosting these productions. Local officials and executives from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission will explore how small businesses in New Jersey’s urban centers, vibrant downtowns, and rural areas can become stars. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.  EDA Session: Innovative Strategies for Economic Growth (Room 301) 

New Jersey’s communities are as diverse as its people, and each city and municipality has its own specific requirements to help drive its growth. The NJEDA is committed to providing unique resources that fit the needs of New Jersey’s residents and business owners, and it continues to build on the economic momentum by adding to its suite of resources designed to foster thriving communities. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  Tax Incentives: Do They Work? (Room 304) 

Tax incentives are a major economic development tool used by many local governments. In recent years, these incentives have come under increased public and political scrutiny. This panel will look at both sides of the argument, focusing on incentives offered by the State of New Jersey and several NJ municipalities. 

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Connecting Infrastructure, Transportation & Housing Redevelopment (Room 419) 

As urban areas grow sustainable, the quality of roads, bridges, & public transportation is crucial in ensuring citizens can access affordable housing near workplaces, religious spaces, & essential services. This panel will explore strategies & innovative solutions for integrating infrastructure & transportation improvements with housing development. 

Thursday, November 21 

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.  Where Should Development & Conservation Projects Be Located? (Room 417) 

Learn about a new tool developed by the OPA and Rowan University. This new, beta version of NJ’s Smart Growth Explorer provides data from agencies across the state in one place to help counties, municipalities, and developers make decisions on where to locate development and conservation projects. The Explorer will help users understand indicators that will inform better decision-making. 

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Activating Your Municipality During Large-Scale Tourism Events (Room 408) 

Come learn how you can engage your community during upcoming major events like the 2026 World Cup and hear about the economic benefits to your municipality when doing so.