November 5, 2025

State Issues

PILOT Legislation to be Considered in Senate Committee

Legislation which requires municipalities to share PILOT funds with school districts is before the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on Monday. The League strongly opposes S-3915, due to the likely adverse impact on economic development.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

State Supreme Court Denies Certification in Redevelopment Fee Case

The New Jersey Supreme Court denied certification in a long-running case between Blackridge Realty and Long Branch. The Court’s denial significantly clarifies the scope and lawfulness of redevelopment fee payments under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL).

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

Governor Murphy Announces Another Round of Medical Debt Relief

Gov. Murphy announced another round of Medical Debt Relief, impacting over 48,000 New Jersey residents who owed a combined $59 million in medical bills.

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

Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program – Deadline Friday

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority is accepting applications from municipalities for the Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program. Selected municipalities receive free direct technical assistance.

League Lame Duck Preview Lunch and Learn Link Posted

Last Friday’s Lame Duck Preview Lunch & Learn video link has been posted.

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

Grant Funding for Green Acres Program

Grant funding is available for the Green Acres Program to enhance local parks and open space.

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

NJ Municipalities November Issue: Avalon’s Civility Policy

The NJ Municipalities blog focuses this week on the November magazine’s upfront feature. Avalon drafted and approved a civility policy pertaining to public interactions with employees. The resolution reinforces the Borough’s expectation that public officials treat our customers with courtesy and respect. And it also creates the expectation for the public that interactions do not interfere with the employees’ rights to a work environment that is free from intolerance, harassment, and all types of bullying.

Want to share your local story? Please send in your 300- to 1,000-word items and photos.

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x123.

Federal Issues

Federal Budget Shutdown Continues

The partial shutdown of the federal budget has entered its second month.

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

Conference Connections

NJLMEF Kickoff Event Focuses on Security

Start the Conference this year with the 3rd Annual League Foundation Kickoff Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at the Atlantic City Convention Center. At 9:30 a.m., Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Homeland Security Branch Command, NJ State Police, will speak on homeland security issues and human trafficking as we approach the Nation’s 250th Celebrations and hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Breakfast is free, but registration is required in advance.

Film Ready NJ Workshop

Join the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (NJMPTVC) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for the Film Ready NJ Workshop starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Attending this Workshop is the first step to becoming a certified Film Ready NJ community. The workshop will also feature Film Ready Police + Fire, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., designed to educate and train police and fire chiefs in public safety and motion picture and entertainment safety. Register for free by November 14.

Also of Interest

250 Champions Program Submissions Due November 15

The National Academy of Public Administration is seeking nominations to honor exceptional individuals working in government who exemplify “democracy at the doorstep.”

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