January 28, 2026

State Issues

NJ Department of Environmental Protection Adopts the NJPACT REAL Rules

On January 20, the DEP adopted the amendments to the NJPACT Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) Rules.

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

Governor Signs EO Instituting Temporary Regulatory Freeze

On January 23, Governor Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 7, instituting a regulatory freeze or 90-day pause on the proposal and adoption of new rules and regulations in the State.

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

Division Issues Guidance on LOSAP Annual CPI Adjustment

The Division of Local Government Services (Division) has issued information regarding the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), along with the annual cost-of-living adjustment to the maximum award amounts based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

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

Federal Issues

Federal Budget Deadline Approaching

The federal budget expires on January 31. The House passed Appropriations bills for the Departments of Defense, Education, Transportation, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security. The Senate has yet to act.

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

Also of Interest

Show Off Your City 2026: Apply Today

The deadline is approaching for the Show Off Your City Contest. Municipalities are invited to send the League photos of their tourist attractions, downtown areas, economic development initiatives, parks, city halls, community groups, and new projects for the 2026 Show Off Your City Photo Contest!

The winning photo will be featured on the cover of the April issue of NJ Municipalities and the winner will also receive a free League publication of their choice. Entries will be posted on the League’s Facebook page, and some featured in the April issue of NJ Municipalities, and possibly other issues. 

Photos should be high-resolution JPEG, the bigger the image, the better it would look on a magazine cover, with the ideal size being 7MB or larger. 

Deadline: February 6. 

Submit photos using the Show Off Your City submission form or mail a CD or flash drive to 222 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

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

Tuesday Talks with the Mayor Launched in Dunellen

This week’s NJ Municipalities blog focuses on the Borough of Dunellen’s new resident outreach: the Tuesday Talks with the Mayor video series. Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento noted that the short videos are where, “I’ll be sharing timely updates, important local reminders, and happenings around our Miracle Mile as well as a highlight of a Dunellen business once a month.”

Want to share your local story in the blog or print magazine? Please send in your 300- to 1,200-word items and photos.  

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

32^nd Annual Louis Bay Scholarship Contest

Municipalities are encouraged to participate in the League of Municipalities’ 32^nd Annual Louis Bay 2^nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition for high school juniors and seniors.

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

2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants

AARP invites eligible local governments and nonprofits to apply for the 2026 Community Challenge quick‑action grant program.

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

Celebrate Your Municipality During Local Government Week 2026

Please join municipalities across the Garden State for 2026 Local Government Week from April 12-18 to engage citizens while celebrating the work of local government.

Contacts: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x123, or Taran Samhammer, tsamhammer@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x124.