September 3, 2025

State Issues

FY2026 AHTF RFP to be Released on September 5

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will release the Fiscal Year 2026 Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Request for Proposals on Friday, September 5. The deadline to apply is October 3, and the funding is anticipated to be awarded on November 7.

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.

2026 SHBC Rate Renewal Meeting

The State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) is scheduled to meet today, and it is likely that the FY26 rate renewal numbers will be adopted.

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.

Department of Community Affairs Announces Municipal Housing Profile Dashboard

On August 27, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the Municipal Housing Profile Dashboard (MHPD).

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

BPU Warns Residents of $100 Bill Credit Scam

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) released information warning residents of fraudulent calls targeting the recently approved $100 bill credit for residential electric customers.

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

NJ Municipalities Blog: Summit Diner Awarded Grant

This week’s NJ Municipalities blog serves up a hearty serving of preservation for a local favorite diner in Summit.

A landmark diner in Summit has received a $50,000 grant to preserve its unique and historic character. The Summit Diner is widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s oldest diners and has long been a gathering place for locals. It's consistently listed as one of the top North Jersey diners on critics' lists and attracts the attention of locals and food aficionados from around the region. The local institution's rich history and role as a neighborhood hub captured national attention and is the only New Jersey restaurant selected for a Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant this year.

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

Federal Budget Expires on September 30

Last March, Congress passed, and President Trump signed, a continuing resolution to fund the government through September 30, which is the end of the federal fiscal year. Congress will need to act before the end of the month to avoid a government shutdown.

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

Conference Connections

Conference Priorities

The League’s hotel block closes in October, so book your housing for the Annual Conference now. Book a hotel room through the League's official room blocks to ensure the best Conference experience. The League's room blocks provide the best rates and shuttle bus service to the AC Convention Center. Book early for your preferred hotel—room blocks will sell out! 
Consider Your Course Options. The preliminary list of the Annual Conference Session Schedule is now available for review. The session rundown will expand over the coming weeks as details are finalized, listing times, places, session descriptions, speakers, and CEU credits as they are approved.  
Plan your visit to the Exhibit Hall. 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.  

Send in Your Conference Resolutions and Ideas

Is there a topic that you think the League should be considering because it will improve local government or address an issue affecting local governance? Every year, the League invites elected officials currently in municipal office, municipal professionals, and members of the League's Affiliate groups to submit resolutions. Resolutions and topic suggestions help the League staff identify issues impacting local governments throughout the State. Resolutions are reviewed by League staff, and those selected are presented at the Resolutions Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Annual League Conference for review.

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.  

Also of Interest

NJILGA & Rutgers Offer Diplomate in Local Government Law

The New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA) has partnered with Rutgers University to offer a Diplomate in Local Government Law. This voluntary certification program provides six comprehensive courses covering municipal law topics.

Discussion of “The American Revolution” with Ken Burns

RevolutionNJ has announced “An Afternoon with Ken Burns,” moderated by Brian Williams, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on September 17. The event includes a preview of the upcoming six-part 12-hour documentary, “The American Revolution,” which prominently features New Jersey.

Tickets are now available for purchase.

2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development

The 2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development will be held September 16-17 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Registration is now open and will close on September 8. The housing deadline was August 15.

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

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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