Conference Connections

Session Spotlight: Economic Development

Economic Development is a crucial component of municipal growth. During the 2025 League Conference, a variety of sessions will focus on Economic Development. For CEU and speaker information, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app.  

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Localize Affordable Clean Energy, Today (Room 311)

Discover how to address energy issues in your community by fostering open discussions and developing actionable plans. The panel will focus on how to increase energy efficiency and update energy infrastructure, all while creating workforce opportunities that will stimulate local economic growth, including energy efficiency strategies, energy infrastructure improvements, and community engagement.

2:00 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.

Innovative Leaders Confront the Changing Landscape of Equity (Room 308/309)

Examining the challenges of delivering economic and hiring opportunities to businesses and people from all backgrounds as the federal, state, and local government ecosystems continue to evolve and redefine themselves. The panel will discuss the current status of our local government ecology and ways to adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

From Roads to Rails: Shaping New Jersey's Transportation Future (Room 312)

Join us for a dynamic discussion with the visionary leaders of New Jersey’s major transportation agencies as they explore the future landscape of transportation in the state. This session will delve into how each agency is strategically advancing New Jersey’s economic vitality, enhancing mobility, and building resilient transportation systems.

Arts & Community Development (Room 322)

This dynamic conversation will highlight how the arts sector can be a strategic partner in advancing community development initiatives in the areas of health, economic development, tourism, and education. Panelists will offer insights and actionable ideas for municipal leaders seeking new tools to engage residents, attract investment, and build civic pride.

3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Emerging Trends in Downtown & Commercial Corridor Redevelopment (Room 318)

The landscape of downtown and commercial corridor planning is rapidly evolving, shaped by consumer behavior, technological advancements, and policy changes. Explore new emerging trends such as adaptive reuse of retail spaces, micro-retail and flexible storefronts, curbside management strategies, 15-minute cities, AI-driven urban planning tools, and evolving land use policies.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Stronger Fairer Forward: Progress Since the Economic Recovery Act (Room 301)

Programs launched under the 2020 Economic Recovery Act—along with other NJEDA initiatives—are driving investment, job creation, and industry expansion across New Jersey. Join us for a conversation on the progress made so far and a look ahead at what’s next for our cities, main streets, and the vibrant communities that call New Jersey home.

250th Celebrations: Aid Civic Engagement & Economic Development (Room 408)

As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the United States, this panel will explore how your town can become more involved and use the celebration not only for economic development, but also to bolster civic engagement, particularly for the next generation of community leaders.

10:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Municipal Strategies for Stability Amid Federal Shifts (Room 419)

As federal priorities, funding, and administrative directives evolve, municipal leaders must be agile to safeguard local stability. Exploring approaches to realign budgets, maintain essential services, and leverage partnerships to navigate uncertainty while sustaining community resilience, attendees will be equipped with strategies to anticipate and adapt without compromising stability or public trust.

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Roundtable: Newark’s Guaranteed Income Pilot (Room 307)

Newark made history as one of the first cities on the East Coast to launch a guaranteed income pilot, offering direct, unconditional cash to residents to improve economic stability and dignity. This roundtable, hosted by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, will discuss the outcomes, lessons, and lived experiences from Newark's pilot and make the case for expanding guaranteed income initiatives statewide.

All About PILOTs (Room 415)

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) are an effective economic development tool for municipalities, but are often misunderstood. This panel will discuss tax exemptions as a catalyst for redevelopment and affordable housing while answering commonly asked questions such as: What is a PILOT? Who shares the revenue? What is the impact on school districts? What is the role of a PILOT in a Redevelopment Bond Area?

Tariffs and Assistance Are Changing Communities: Impacts on UEZs (Room 301)

With new tariffs, concerns about rising costs are high. Complicating financial stability and service delivery, many assistance programs have been eliminated with potential for additional cuts. The session will explore how UEZs adapt to market changes while creating jobs.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Leading in Challenging Times: Navigating the Road Ahead (Room 403)

Detailing some recent and proposed federal policy and funding changes that will have significant effects on housing development, housing instability, homelessness, and economic development in New Jersey. DCA will provide projections of programmatic and fiscal impact; introduce DCA’s Homelessness Economic Risk Framework; and share tools and recommendations so that leaders and policymakers can navigate upcoming changes.

10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Why Tourism Is Every Town’s Smartest Investment (Room 409)

Tourism is a significant economic driver for state and local economies. Learn about the economic impacts of tourism on municipalities and how you can capitalize on tourism opportunities in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup and America's Semiquincentennial, to increase your revenue.