March 12, 2025

State Issues

Affordable Housing Update

There is a significant development in the NJBA challenge of 159 of the municipal filings seeking modifications to the non-binding guidance on affordable housing issued by the Department of Community Affairs.

Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.

Senate Committee Set to Review Bill That Would Preempt Municipal Zoning

On Monday, March 17, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider S-1408, which authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments. Please reach out to your State Senator and urge them to vote NO.

Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.

PERS Committee Actuary Meeting Update

The Public Employees’ Retirement System 2024/2025 Actuarial Valuation Report is now available for review.

Contacts: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112 or Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Lunch & Learn with Local Finance Board Set for March 24

On Monday, March 24, the League will host a Lunch & Learn event with the Local Finance Board regarding Financial Disclosure Statement processes and Q&A for your roster of local government officials.

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

LFN Issued on CY2025/SFY2026 State Aid Certification

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice (LFN) 2025-05 regarding the CY2025/SFY2026 State Aid Certification.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Governor Signs Ballot Legislation

Governor Murphy signed legislation making changes to the design of the primary election ballot.

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

Governor signs A-4757 Permitting Amusement Licenses for Nonprofits

Governor signs A-4757, which permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Assembly Commerce Committee Advances A-5264

Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee favorably reported A-5264, which requires the establishment of an automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Review EDA C-PACE Lunch & Learn

The League had a Lunch & Learn with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority on the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, which is available for viewing on the League's YouTube channel.

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

Federal Issues

Federal Budget Update

The Federal Budget expires on March 14. The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through September. The measure is before the Senate for consideration, where it would need bipartisan support to advance.

Senator Kim Announces CDS Application Process

Senator Andy Kim announced that the application process for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) is open for FY26. The application deadline is March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

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

Also of Interest

New Jersey Redevelopment Authority’s 2025 Training Institute Workshops

New Jersey Redevelopment Authority’s 2025 Training Institute Workshops are set to focus on the future of redevelopment.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Sustainable Jersey Tree Planting Grants Available

Sustainable Jersey has announced $4.5 million in funding for tree-planting at New Jersey public schools and universities.

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

Film Ready NJ Workshop

On March 26, the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (NJMPTVC) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) are hosting the Film Ready NJ Workshop at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate Your Municipality During Local Government Week 2025

Finalize your plans for Local Government Week 2025. The League invites you to join in with municipalities across the Garden State from April 6-12 to engage citizens while celebrating the work of local government.

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