The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provides expert guidance, resources, and grants through its Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) to assist local governments in maximizing efficiency and reducing costs through shared services. The Division’s Local Assistance Bureau (LAB) and Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) (LEAP) may assist local governments facing rising costs and fiscal pressures by evaluating shared services opportunities, providing fiscal support, and when feasible, implementing agreements that deliver high-quality public services without placing additional strain on taxpayers.

Expert Guidance Through the Local Assistance Bureau

The Local Assistance Bureau is staffed by seasoned professionals, many of whom are former local government officials, who understand the complexities of municipal operations. LAB advisors provide direct and practical expertise across a wide range of public service areas, including:

LAB advisors review administrative and financial operations, identify inefficiencies, and recommend best practices that strengthen accountability and transparency. In addition to the areas noted above, their support extends to specialized fields such as procurement, ethics, economic development, and implementation planning.

Shared Services in Action: Real Savings, Real Results

Shared services are driving clear, proven results for local government across New Jersey.  Since Governor Sherill took office in January 2026, shared service agreements have maximized the impact of taxpayer dollars by eliminating duplicate efforts while protecting the quality of essential public services.

Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grants: Funding Innovation and Collaboration to support shared service initiatives

Why County Shared Services Coordinators Matter

Funded directly through LEAP grants, County Shared Services Coordinators play a critical role in identifying and advancing local partnership opportunities. Twelve active participants - Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Monmouth, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, and Union – have demonstrated a growing commitment to intergovernmental cooperation.

Monmouth County’s EMS and 9‑1‑1 Dispatch Enhancements
Monmouth County offers a powerful example of how shared services can improve public safety while reducing costs.

• EMS Consolidation: Facing increased demand and volunteer shortages, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office developed a regional EMS program in partnership with 10 municipalities. The program blends volunteer services with MedStar, a licensed Basic Life Support agency, to expand coverage and reduce response times.
• 9‑1‑1 Dispatch Services: Monmouth County operates two state‑of‑the‑art 9‑1‑1 centers serving 49 jurisdictions. LEAP grants helped expand regional dispatch services to additional municipalities, improving service quality and generating cost savings.

Sheriff Shaun Golden noted that these shared services “enhance emergency response capabilities” and ensure communities receive reliable, high‑quality public safety services around the clock.

The momentum is clear: Local governments require long-term resilience to navigate rising operational expenses. DCA remains committed to equipping local leaders with the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to advance shared services initiatives across New Jersey. By helping communities manage costs, improve public service delivery, and strengthen their ability to meet residents’ needs, shared services provide a practical path toward more resilient and sustainable local governments.

Interested in Exploring Shared Services? DCA Is Here to Help

Get in touch with the DLGS Local Assistance Bureau for expert technical assistance.

Email: sharedservices@dca.nj.gov
Local Assistance Bureau: 609-292-6613, Option #1