Conference Connections
Session Spotlight: Public Health and Safety
Ensuring public health and safety are fundamental duties of municipal governance. Dive into these sessions to explore a range of topics, from enhancing the safety of community drinking water to understanding the intricacies of police licensing. Equip yourself with the essential knowledge to safeguard your communities. For CEU and speaker information, please visit the Conference website or download the Conference app.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
League Foundation Kickoff Breakfast (Room 412)
At 9:30, Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Homeland Security Branch Command, NJ State Police, will speak on homeland security issues related to the Nation’s 250th Celebrations and the 2026 World Cup, and human trafficking. Breakfast is free, but please register in advance.
2:00 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Wired for Wellness: Harnessing New Tech in Health Departments (Room 301)
This program highlights how three innovative health departments are leveraging new technologies—including mobile apps, podcasts, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—to improve public health outreach, communication, and data-driven decision-making. Discover how these tools are transforming community health engagement and service delivery.
Empowering Action for Cleaner, Healthier Spaces (Room 401)
Litter poses a challenge to communities, impacting public health, local economies, and the environment. Discussion of best practices on clean communities funding used for litter prevention, education, and enforcement. Participants will learn proven strategies, innovative solutions, and collaborative approaches that can be adapted for urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Improving Community Health with Mayor's Wellness Campaign (Room 414)
Learn innovative strategies from the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) mayors. The panel will share their experiences, give tips on starting a program in your community, and share the benefits of bringing health and wellness to your town. This presentation is a must for any community members looking to begin or enhance their MWC.
Plan4HealthNJ: Where You Live Shouldn't Dictate How Long You Live (Room 419)
Plan4HealthNJ envisions public health and land use planning uniting to build vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities. This project ensures land use decisions address public health challenges, transforming spaces to promote health, reduce inequities, and elevate quality of life. Learn about Plan4HealthNJ and how your town can apply for funding to prepare a Public Health Master Plan Element.
Mitigate the Effects of Wildfire/Support Municipal Resiliency (Room 415)
How building codes can mitigate the effects of wildfire and support municipal resiliency.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Status of Emergency Services in New Jersey (Room 310)
The panel will discuss the current state of affairs in the volunteer and paid fire safety and emergency medical services.
9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
NJFPPA Regular Business Meeting (Room 318)
Regular Business Meeting of the NJ Fire Prevention and Protection Association.
10:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Are You Ready? Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act (Room 313)
The presentation will focus on the Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act and the deployment of fire service resources throughout New Jersey to facilitate a safe and efficient response to any emergency incident that requires the immediate deployment of fire service resources.
Smoke & CO Alarms - Life Safety & Nuisance Alarms (Room 320)
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms play a significant role in reducing fire deaths. Improper placement can reduce the effectiveness of alarms, increasing nuisance alarms and fire department responses, with the disabling of alarms placing occupants at greater risk. Open to all interested in life safety. UCC, UFC, Electrical Contractors, and Multiple Dwelling inspectors can earn CEUs for attending.
State of the State with Health Commissioner (Room 402)
An update on the state of health in New Jersey from the Acting Commissioner of Health and highlights of priorities for the year ahead.
2:00 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Stronger Together: State & Local Public Health Partnerships (Room 410)
How collaboration between State and local health departments in New Jersey is driving progress and innovation in public health.
The State of Water in New Jersey – Panel Discussion (Room 408)
Experts will address managing PFAS contamination, replacing lead service lines, aging infrastructure, emergencies, and drought on water availability and sustainability. Additionally, highlighting resources, including technical assistance and funding opportunities, and gaining valuable insights to enhance the resilience and safety of their community's drinking water.
2:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Work Zone Safety Overview for Public Works (Room 310)
A review of the purpose and the organization of the MUTCD and temporary traffic control devices.
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Building Climate Justice in Overburdened Communities (Room 419)
Explore how municipalities can lead climate efforts to address disproportionate environmental burdens faced by historically marginalized communities. Learn strategies integrating equity into climate action plans, repairing the legacy of environmental racism, and developing community-led solutions improving public health, resilience, and quality of life.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Police Disciplinary Issues Including Police Licensing (Room 302)
Discussion will include the different aspects of disciplinary process: investigating and charging, types of discipline, civil service vs. non-civil service, negotiating agreements, including last chance, hearing, and new police licensing statute and legal issues concerning the same.
Transforming Communities: Unlocking Funding for Lead Remediation (Room 307)
Discover how to leverage new NJ DCA Lead Paint Remediation and Abatement funding for safer, healthier communities. Our expert panel will share best practices for complying with state lead inspection laws, using available resources, and engaging local partners to protect families and ensure no child is at risk from lead exposure.
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
NJ State Fire Safety Commission Meeting (Hall A)
Meeting of the NJ Fire Safety Commission. The Commission advises the DCA on fire safety matters. Members are appointed by the Governor or Senate President and the General Assembly Speaker. Topics to be discussed: firefighter training, command, homeland security, Uniform Fire Code, and fire education.
10:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
The Municipal Cannabis Matrix Update
Municipal Cannabis 101. An in-depth look at the 2% Municipal Cannabis Tax Collection and instances of non-payment. What are Intoxicating Cannabinoids? Can we regulate the sale of intoxicating edibles and drinks? A member of law enforcement will discuss police enforcement and smoke-free laws. Co-sponsored with NJL