State Issues

Legislation Advances for Increased Conservation PILOT Funds  

On Thursday, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reported S-2161, which increases amounts of certain payments in lieu of taxes paid for lands owned by State or nonprofit organizations for recreation and conservation purposes. 

Read on: Legislation Advances for Increased Conservation PILOT Funds 

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, 609-695-3481 x. 110, ppenna@njlm.org   

SHBC Special Meeting Held on February 11

The State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) held a special meeting on February 11 to discuss a mid-year rate change on the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) premium rates. 

Read more: SHBC Special Meeting Held on February 11

Contacts: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, 609-695-3481 x. 112, lbuckelew@njlm.org, or Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, 609-695-3481 x. 116, eknoedler@njlm.org. 

Committee Advances Housing Incentive Legislation

Last Thursday, the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee advanced A-3877, which proposes to establish certain state funding preferences for municipalities that enhance opportunities to develop housing.  

Read on: Committee Advances Housing Incentive Legislation 

Contacts: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, 609-695-3481 x. 120, mcerra@njlm.org or Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, 609-695-3481 x. 110, ppenna@njlm.org 

Bill Requiring Out-Of-State Contractors Registry Advances

Legislation (A-2078) that requires the State Treasurer to establish a public registry for out-of-state contractors awarded public works contracts advances.

Read on: Bill Requiring Out-Of-State Contractors Registry Advances

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, 609-695-3481 x. 112, lbuckelew@njlm.org.

Lunch & Learn: Municipal Clerks as Wedding Officiants

Municipal clerks are now authorized to perform marriages and civil unions (P.L. 2025, c. 222). On March 6 at 12 noon, the League will hold a Lunch & Learn to explain the new law and provide guidance and insights for municipal clerks performing weddings and civil unions.

Advance registration is required for this free webinar.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 ext. 112

DEP Quarterly Brownfield Roundtable

NJ Department of Environmental Protection is hosting its quarterly roundtable regarding topics and policies on brownfields work across New Jersey.  

Read on: DEP Quarterly Brownfields Roundtable

Federal Issues

Department of Homeland Security Funding Shut Down  

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on February 13, leading to a partial government shutdown. 

Read on: Department of Homeland Security Funding Shut Down 

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, 609-695-3481 x. 110, ppenna@njlm.org   

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant for Community Buildings

The EPA’s Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program is now open. Funding supports planning, equipment, and facility upgrades to reduce indoor smoke exposure during wildfire events.

Read on: Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant for Community Buildings

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

USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) announced a funding opportunity, the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge, an opportunity geared to support preparedness efforts against screwworms. 

Read on: USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

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

Also of Interest

This Weekend: NJ Historical Commission Lecture 

This week’s NJ Municipalities blog shares an invitation to participate in an upcoming event on the history, narrative, and the enduring impact of African and African diasporic voices. The 46th Annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series, supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission, focuses on the topic Beyond Time: Ancient Africa, History, and the Black Imagination. It will be held at the Paul Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers University-Newark February 21 with a reception immediately after the lecture at the Newark Museum of Art, featuring the Bradford Hayes Quartet. 

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.   

GFOANJ Bill Homa Scholarship

GFOA has announced that they will again be making available up to four scholarships of up to $1,500.00 through the Association’s Collegiate and CMFO Track Scholarship programs in honor of the late Bill Homa. Submissions are due March 20.  

Read on: GFOANJ Bill Homa Scholarship

NJPACT REAL Rules Webinar

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) and the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers are hosting webinars concerning the NJPACT REAL rules and how they apply to your municipality.  

Read on: NJPACT REAL Rules Webinar 

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

Rutgers Center for Government Services Public Purchasing Forum 

The Rutgers University Center for Government Services 56^th Annual Public Purchasing Educational Forum is scheduled for April 28-30.  

Read more: Rutgers Center for Government Services Public Purchasing Forum 

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

Emergency Manager of the Year Nominations & NJEPA Scholarships 

The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) is seeking nominations for the Emergency Manager of the Year, student scholarships, and scholarships for emergency managers working on their NJ Certified Emergency Manager certification.  

Read more: Emergency Manager of the Year Nominations & NJEPA Scholarships 

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

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. 

Read more: 32^nd Annual Louis Bay Scholarship Contest 

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

Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference Set  

The Watershed Institute is hosting the 9th Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference on February 26 and 27 at The College of New Jersey. 

Read more: Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference Set  

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. 

Read more: 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants 

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.  

Read more: Celebrate Your Municipality During Local Government Week 2026 

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