July 30, 2025

State Issues

New Contribution Chart and Amendments to Pension Bill

As we previously reported, A-5903, which makes changes to the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) plan offerings and governance, was amended and released by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

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

Plan Design Committee Discusses Plan Year 2026

Last Wednesday, July 23, the Plan Design Committee (PDC) held its regularly scheduled meeting amid proposed statutory and legislative changes to the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).

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

SHBC Holds Regularly Scheduled Meeting

On Monday, the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) held its regularly scheduled meeting

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

Bringing Veterans Home Program Website Launched

The Bringing Veterans Home enhanced website provides an avenue to refer veterans, information on the Bringing Veterans Home regional partners, and types of assistance.

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

Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants (Formerly “Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant”) Reopening

The New Jersey Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program will reopen this Fall.

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

FY26 State Budget Grant Roadmap

Visit The Town Crier blog to review opportunities for the upcoming funding cycle.

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

Urban Heat Grant Applications Accepted

The NJ Board of Public Utilities is now accepting municipal applications for its $5 million Urban Heat Island Mitigation Program.

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

Federal Issues

President Trump Issues Executive Order to Address Homelessness

On July 24, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the U.S. Attorney General and other cabinet members to take necessary steps to address homelessness and crime prevention.

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

Conference Connections

The League Accepting Applications for Innovation in Governance Program

 
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) will again acknowledge and promote Innovation in Governance through our annual recognition program. This is a great opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to any problems that have cropped up, either suddenly or over time, in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to let your peers in on innovations that prevent problems from arising. This year, the Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for new and distinctive approaches in any department of municipal government.

The deadline is Friday, October 3, 2025.

Visit our awards page to see previous years’ ideas created by our winning municipalities as well as the full invitation and application to this year’s program.
 
Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, CBradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 128.

Time’s Running Out for Early Bird Pricing

Register soon for this year’s best Conference pricing. Early Bird pricing is $60 for government or nonprofit and $120 for non-government registrations. After August 31, the price goes up, so register today!

Know Before You Go: Exhibit Hall Success

This year, the Exhibit Hall has reached maximum capacity and will sell out very soon. For 2025, there are 180 new and returning companies that didn’t exhibit last year, representing the United States, Canada, Italy, and South Korea.

The key to a successful visit is to plan in advance. Our education session blocks are scheduled with a generous window in between. Making a list of companies to visit in these timeslots can allow for a full and productive exploration of the booths. Start reviewing your options and planning your schedule by viewing the online floor plan today.

Recognizing Years of Service: Nominations Sought

 Marking its 40th anniversary, the Mayors’ Hall of Fame is seeking nominations of candidates for the 2025 Mayors' Hall of Fame. These nominees must be serving as mayor and have at least 10 years of mayoral service to be inducted at the silver level, at least 20 years of mayoral service to be inducted at the gold level, and at least 30 years to be inducted at the platinum level. 

The Elected Officials' Hall of Fame is also accepting nominations for this year's inductees. Local municipal governing body members, active and retired, who have served for 20 or more years as a governing body member are eligible for inclusion. 

Also of Interest

NJ Municipalities Blog: Oceanport Gives Books New Lives

This week’s NJ Municipalities summer story blog shares how the Oceanport Borough Hall has put in a book recycling bin next to a clothing drop-off. Want to share your local story this summer? Please send in your 300- to 1,000-word items and photos to Editor Amy Spiezio at aspiezio@njlm.org.

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, ext. 123.

2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development

The 2025 Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development will be held September 16-17 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Registration is now open and will close on September 8. The housing deadline is August 15.

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

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