State Issues

League Testifies at Assembly Budget Hearing 

On Tuesday, March 25, League Executive Director Michael F. Cerra testified before the Assembly Budget Committee on the FY26 State Budget and noted concerns about Energy Tax Receipts funding, Affordable Housing, and SHBP cost increases. 

Read more: League Testifies at Assembly Budget Hearing 

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

Mayor Heck Testifies on Warehouse Planning 

On Thursday, March 20, Millstone Borough Mayor Ray Heck, League Past President, testified at the Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing on warehouse development, safety, and the need for planning flexibility.   

Read more: Mayor Heck Testifies on Warehouse Planning 

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

LFN 2025-06 Issued on Updated Property Tax Bill Language 

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice (LFN) 2025-06 regarding updated property tax bill language, specifically regarding the State Aid Offset Calculator and Property Tax Relief Programs.   

Read more: LFN 2025-06 Issued on Updated Property Tax Bill Language 

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

LFN 2025-07 Issued for 2025 FDS Filing Information  

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice (LFN) 2025-07 regarding the 2025 annual Financial Disclosure Statements (FDS) due on April 30. 

Read more: LFN 2025-07 Issued for 2025 FDS Filing Information  

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Local Finance Board Lunch & Learn Posted 

On Monday, March 24, the League hosted a Lunch and Learn with Local Finance Board leadership to review the process and answer any questions you may have as you finalize your roster. The Lunch & Learn recording is available for viewing. 

Read more: Local Finance Board Lunch & Learn Posted 

Federal Issues

NLC Blog: Act Now if Your Municipality is Behind on ARPA SLFRF 

The obligation deadline for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed at the end of 2024. Please review steps if you are not compliant.  

Read more: NLC Blog: Act Now if Your Municipality is Behind on ARPA SLFRF 

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

Also of Interest

NOFO: Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education Program – Round 2 

The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced Round 2 of the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education Program. The program aims to support pre-apprenticeship initiatives that prepare individuals for success in Registered Apprenticeship programs. 

Read more: NOFO: Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education Program – Round 2 

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

CARE Grant Program  

The New Jersey Department of Labor has announced the CARE Grant Program, providing funding ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 to aid programs that are focused on community and culturally based initiatives. 

Read more: CARE Grant Program  

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

NJLM and NJ Community Solutions Present Municipal Management Program

The New Jersey League of Municipalities has partnered with NJ Community Solutions to present the Municipal Management Program to teach individuals about the practical side of managing municipalities in New Jersey.

The Management Program is a series of three-hour practical educational sessions. Each session will be held in-person in small class sizes to provide opportunities to learn, discuss and question key aspects of managing a New Jersey municipality. Starting on March 25, the second series will cover a broad range of issues regarding Department and Workforce Management. Included will be Negotiating Contracts, Health Insurance and Retirement Benefits, Arbitration, and Disciplinary Action.

Many CEUs are available for Finance Officers, Municipal Clerks, Municipal Attorneys, Purchasing Agents, Tax Collectors, Public Works, and HR Professionals(SHRM)

For more information on the Management Workshop Series including dates, CEUs, and registration fees please visit the Management Series webpage.

Celebrate Your Municipality During Local Government Week 2025 

Finalize your plans for Local Government Week 2025. The League invites you to join in with municipalities across the Garden State from April 6-12 to engage citizens while celebrating the work of local government.  

Read more: Celebrate Your Municipality During Local Government Week 2025