FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 9, 2018

 

TRENTON, NJ –  Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is scheduled to speak at the 103rd Annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference being held at the Atlantic City Convention Center from November 13 through November 15, 2018. In addition to the Lt. Governor’s participation, DCA staff will facilitate educational workshops and sessions. For session information visit:  
https://www.njslom.org/300/Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, November 13 to Thursday, November 15, 2018 

Tuesday, November 13 

Budget Audit & Update – Room 302 (2-3:40 pm)

Budget, accounting, and financial policy changes and issues that will affect municipal officials in 2019. The panel will review the levy cap and new legislation, regulation, and policies that affect municipal fiscal operations. 

Speaking: Christine Zapicchi, Acting Bureau Chief, Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), DCA

Cynthia Lindsay, Assistant Director, DLGS, DCA

Melanie Walter, Acting Director, DLGS, DCA 

Wednesday, November 14 

The Answer to SALT Changes: Charitable Trusts – Room 303 (9-10:40 am)

In response to the loss of the SALT property tax deduction, P.L. 2018, c. 11 permits municipalities, counties, or school districts to establish one or more charitable funds, each for specific public purposes; and permits property tax credits in association with certain donations. This overview and policy oriented session is a must attend for elected officials interested in establishing a charitable trust in their municipality. 

Speaking: Jason Martucci, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Officer, DLGS, DCA 

NJ Opportunity Zone Workshop- -  Session A, Room 321 (9:30 am – 10:30 am)

New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), Economic Development Authority (EDA), and DCA

Sessions will offer general information about Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone planning. Suggested attendees include mayors, business administrators, community and economic development directors, and planning directors. Open to municipalities in North Jersey within the counties of: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Morris, Passaic, Warren, and Sussex. 

Affordable Housing Update – Room 311 (9-10:40 am)

Joint Session with NJPO

Experts in the field address timely issues regarding affordable housing, including the most recent developments in the Courts, strategies that municipalities can use to address their obligations, and a representative of the Murphy Administration talks about their vision for affordable housing going forward. 

Speaking: Charles Richman, Executive Director, NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency 

NJ Apprenticeship Network: Public Sector Workforce Strategies – Room 320 (9-10:40 am)

Municipal leaders face continuing difficulty filling job openings. The Murphy Administration, through the DLWD has created the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network (NJAN). Learn about the Public Sector Apprenticeship strategies the NJAN provides, and give your input on best practices and your biggest needs.  Attendees will also learn about the other industry apprenticeship networks, a valuable resource for municipal officials looking to address the workforce needs of current or potential local businesses. 

Speaking: Robert Long, Deputy Commissioner, DCA 

Annual Mayors Box Luncheon

12:00 PM to 1:45 PM

Crown Ball Room, 2nd floor, Sheraton Hotel

Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Guest Speaker

The Annual Mayors’ Box Lunch will be moderated this year by League President James Cassella, Mayor of East Rutherford. This working luncheon will take time to recognize service with the induction of the newest group to the Mayors’ Hall of Fame.

In addition, the Innovation in Governance Awards will be presented by Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver and DLGS Acting Director Melanie Walter. 

Topics in Local Government Ethics – Room 314 (1:15 – 2:30 pm)

Co-Sponsored with NJLM

An update on recent case decisions and various scenarios involving local government ethics issues. 

Speaking: Melanie Walter, Acting Director, DLGS, DCA

Nick Bennett, Local Finance Board Staff, DLGS, DCA

 

NJ Opportunity Zone Workshop - Session B, Room 410 (2-3 pm)

NJRA, EDA, AND DCA

Sessions will offer general information about Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone planning. Suggested attendees include mayors, business administrators, community and economic development directors, and planning directors. Open to municipalities in Central Jersey within the counties of: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Somerset. 

The Power of the Black Church in White America – Room 313 (2-3:40 pm)

Welcome: Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver 

Recent OPRA Decisions – Room 402 (2-3:40 pm)

Recent notable OPRA decisions from the courts and Government Records Council. 

Speaking: Frank Caruso, Communication Specialist/Resource Manager, Government Records Council 

NJ Opportunity Zone Workshop – Session C, Room 410 (3:30 – 4:30 pm)

NJRA, EDA, AND DCA

Sessions will offer general information about Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone planning. Suggested attendees include mayors, business administrators, community and economic development directors, and planning directors. Open to municipalities in South Jersey within the counties of: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem. 

Update on SALT as Charitable Contributions – Room 404 (4 - 4:50 pm)

Joint Session with TCTANJ

An update to the newly enacted legislation permitting charitable trusts to be established and donations offsetting property tax obligations. 

Speaking: Jason Martucci, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Officer, DLGS 

Women in Municipal Government Networking and Award Event

5:15 PM - 7:00 PM

Pearl Ballroom, 2nd floor, Sheraton Hotel

Welcome, Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver

Women in municipal government will be recognized for their efforts. 

Thursday, November 15

Public Contracts Law & Regulation Update – Room 303 (9-10:40 am)

Joint Session with TCTANJ, GPANJ, GFOANJ

This annual session will focus on the ever-expanding law and regulations dealing with the local procurement process as this expert panel will address the updates to the Local Public Contracts Law, Pay-to-Play law, and relevant regulations. 

Speaking: Jason Martucci, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Officer, DLGS, DCA 

The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger & Fairer NJ Economy – Room 408/409 (10:45 am – 12 pm)

The Governor’s statewide strategic economic development plan aims to shape New Jersey’s path forward and pave the way for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy. This panel will feature state-level leaders discussing how new initiatives are helping to advance the plan’s goals of growing jobs, creating new pathways to employment, fostering sustainable communities, and reclaiming our historical position as the State of Innovation. 

Speaking on a panel discussion: Lt.  Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Commissioner, DCA 

FAST (Financial Automation Submission & Tracking) Update – Room 304 (11 – 11:50 am)

An overview of the upcoming automation of the current Local Entity Financial Information System and how it will benefit the collection, review, approval, and dissemination of local government financial information. 

Speaking: Matthew Gallello, Administrative Analyst, DCA

Cynthia Lindsay, Assistant Director, DLGS, DCA 

League Delegates Luncheon

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Crown Ball Room, 2nd floor, Sheraton Hotel

Invited guest speaker: Governor Phil Murphy.

Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Attending

This annual luncheon provides an opportunity for all conference attendees to gather and look together into the future of the Garden State. Starting with a full honor guard and welcome from Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam, the event connects the leadership of the state with local government officials. 

Consulting Meetings – Tuesday, November 13 to Thursday, November 15, 2018

The League’s “Consulting Meetings” provide a chance for attendees to speak face to face with State program directors, experts, and grant-givers, providing a valuable Conference Consulting Service. One-on-one and small group meetings will be held in the Exhibit Hall lounges and in the Atrium lobby. DCA divisions include:

Affordable Housing

Community Development Block Grants

Division of Fire Safety

Historic Preservation, NJ Historic Trust

Local Government Ethics, Local Finance Board

Local Planning Services

Municipal/County Budgets, DLGS

OPRA & GRC Processes, Government Records Council

Sandy Recovery Division 

WHERE:  

Atlantic City Convention Center

One Convention Center Boulevard

Atlantic City, NJ  08401

Directions to Atlantic City Convention Center 

From the Atlantic City Expressway: At the end of the Expressway, make a left on Arctic Ave. and then a left on Michigan Ave. straight into the Atlantic City Convention Center parking garage. 

From the Garden State Parkway: Follow Garden State Parkway South to Exit 38 (Atlantic City Expressway). Follow Atlantic City Expressway directions.

 

   DCa on Twitter

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty
Lisa Ryan
Gina Trish
(609) 292-6055