Official Site of The State of New Jersey
2026 Innovation in Governance Awards
- Posted on: 07/13/2026
NJLM’s Annual Innovation in Governance Awards Invitation for 2026
Dear Mayor:
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 an excellent opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to problems that have cropped up suddenly or over time in your municipality. It can also be an opportunity to share your innovations. This can tremendously benefit your colleagues around the state who are facing similar challenges; it allows you to commend your public professionals and employees for their excellent work. It can also demonstrate to your constituents the appreciation that other local officials throughout New Jersey have for your creativity and leadership.
This year, the Innovation in Governance Awards Committee is looking for any new and distinctive approaches undertaken by the Garden State municipalities during a period of 16 months, beginning from June 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026. Any creative and original innovation will be considered for recognition.
This program was established to highlight exemplary local government activities that exhibit creative and practical approaches to local problems and concerns. We will share the winning entries with municipal leaders at the 111th Annual League of Municipalities Conference Mayors’ Luncheon on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at the Sheraton in Atlantic City and in the January issue of the League’s magazine, New Jersey Municipalities.
Judges include Past Presidents of the League, representatives of the DCA, the Division of Local Governments Services, and NJLM Executive staff.
The application can be accessed by clicking on either of the links below:
The League of Municipalities website:
- Print Application: Innovation in Governance Printable Application
- Online Application: NJLM Innovation in Governance Online Application
The nomination deadline for this program is Friday, October 2, 2026. We encourage you to share this information with the relevant individuals in your municipality today, allowing sufficient time to meet this deadline.
If you have questions about the Innovation in Governance Award program, contact Ciara Bradley at 609-695-3481, x128, or cbradley@njlm.org.
Very truly yours,
|
Jacquelyn A. Suárez |
Sean Elwell |
