We are reaching out to share an important grant opportunity that may benefit many residents in your community. The Lead Remediation and Abatement Program provides funding to help homeowners and renters address lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978.

Lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially to young children. This program is designed to make homes safer and healthier by identifying and eliminating lead-based paint hazards.

Key benefits of the grant:

-       Free lead inspections and risk assessments

-       Funding to cover the cost of lead remediation or abatement work

-       Improved long-term property value and enhanced family health

The household residing in the unit must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income.

In August 2021, Governor Murphy signed into law P.L. 2021, c. 201 authorizing the establishment of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program. The Garden State C-PACE Program is a voluntary financing tool which allows qualifying commercial real property owners to access financing for undertaking qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements on their buildings.

The loan financing the C-PACE project is repaid through a local improvement assessment imposed as a continuous first lien on the property (save for subsequent taxes, charges, or

assessments) and billed to the property owner. Upon collecting the assessment installment, the municipality must remit the proceeds to the lender. The principal amount of the C-PACE assessment, when combined with mortgage and other lien obligations on a property shall not exceed 90 percent of the appraised value of the property after including the value created by the C-PACE project. The maximum duration of a C-PACE assessment shall not exceed the weighted average useful life of the improvements in the C-PACE project or 30 years, whichever is less. A property with delinquent taxes, charges, or assessments shall not be eligible for a C-PACE assessment.

This notice is being sent on behalf of: New Jersey League of Municipalities

On August 27, 2025 from 10:00a.m. - 11:40a.m. the New Jersey League of Municipalities will be hosting a webinar on the topic of the new NJ ELEC reporting requirements.

This webinar will provide attendees with a brief and basic understanding of OPRA and how the changes implemented under P.L. 2024, c.16 are going.

This Notice is being sent on behalf of Rutgers Center for Government Services

Rutgers University's Center for Government Services (CGS), in partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA), is pleased to open registration for the Fall 2025 semester of the Diplomate in New Jersey Local Government Law Program. This advanced training initiative is designed for municipal attorneys seeking to deepen their knowledge, enhance their professional skills, and earn their Diplomate in NJ Law certificate.  Three courses will be offered this fall; all approved for CLE and DCA DLGS continuing education credits.

Circular 26-03-OMB from the NJ Treasury - Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announces the new prompt payment interest rate for construction and non-construction business concerns for State Fiscal Year 2026. As of July 1, 2025, the prompt payment interest rates are 8.5% (construction contracts) and 3.0% (non-construction contracts) respectively.

These interest rates are subject to change annually.

DCA Awards More Than $5.9 million in Local Achievement Assistance Program (LEAP) Grants; Grant Funding Will Help Promote and Accomplish Shared Services Initiatives

TRENTON, NJ - The Murphy Administration, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and the State's Shared Services Czars today announced the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant awards for fiscal year 2025. These grants, totaling $5,922,935, provide financial assistance to local government entities such as counties, municipalities, school districts, authorities, and fire districts across the State of New Jersey to identify, study, and implement shared services initiatives. The program, which is administered by DCA's Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), is aimed at encouraging towns to incorporate shared service agreements into their management strategies to increase governmental efficiency, enhance community services, and help save taxpayer dollars.

"Shared services continue to prove their value as an effective tool for local governments to reduce expenses and streamline resources. It's a win-win for neighboring communities that are looking for innovative ways to coordinate and even enhance their existing services," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. "We are pleased that local leaders across the state are taking advantage of these taxpayer-saving opportunities, and we look forward to the resulting shared service agreements that come from this new round of LEAP grants."

The LEAP grants provide direct support to advance shared service implementation across New Jersey. Since the program launched in fiscal year 2020, there have been 150 LEAP grants awarded, totaling more than $22.3 million.

The Governmental Purchasing Association of New Jersey (GPANJ) will be holding its Annual Fall Mini Conference on September 25, 2025.

Windsor Conference Center/Holiday Inn

399 Monmouth St.

East Windsor, NJ 08520.

CEU's have been approved by DCA for the following certifications: QPA, RMC, CMFO/CCFO, CTC, and CPWM. Credits have also been approved by Rutgers for RPPO and RPPS certifications.

This Notice is being sent on behalf of the Office of the State Comptroller - Public Contracting Oversight Division.

Take notice that, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-10(d), the Office of the State Comptroller, after consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has exercised statutory authority to adjust the threshold amounts set forth in N.J.S.A 52:15C-10 (a) and (b).

Accordingly, as of July 1, 2025, all "contracting units" as defined pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-10(a) shall notify the Office of the State Comptroller of contracts that meet or exceed the below thresholds as follows:

  (1) For contracts involving consideration or an expenditure of more than $3,000,000, but less than $15,200,000, no later than 20 business days after the contract award;

  (2) For contracts involving consideration or an expenditure of $15,200,000 or more, at the earliest time practicable as the contracting unit commences the procurement process, but no later than the time the contracting unit commences preparation of: any bid specification or request for proposal; concession offering; proposal to purchase, sell, or lease real estate; or other related activities and contracts, but not less than 30 days prior to public advertisement or other public or private solicitation; and

  (3) For contracts issued pursuant to an emergency or public exigency involving consideration or an expenditure of more than $3,000,000, no later than 30 business days after the award of a contract.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez invites municipal leaders and key decision-makers to attend a virtual Shared Services Symposium that will feature the community benefits of shared service agreements. Attendees will learn how to access funding, and learn about free, expert services available through DCA's Division of Local Government Services Local Assistance Bureau.

Presenters will share their first-hand experiences in successfully navigating shared service agreements and the positive outcomes achieved for their communities including enhanced services, heightened efficiency, improved safety, and reduced costs. They will share unique and creative ideas that shared services may be used.

VIRTUAL SHARED SERVICES SYMPOSIUM

Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) invites key decision-makers to attend NJ Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES), an innovative program designed to help municipal leaders successfully plan affordable housing that aligns with their community. It's your opportunity to gain early access to state-supported tools, funding pathways, and technical assistance that can drive growth, meet housing obligations, and strengthen your municipality's future.

ALL ROADSHOW EVENTS ARE 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday 6/11: Moorestown Town Hall, 111 West 2nd Street Moorestown, NJ

Tuesday 6/17:Essex County, Location TBD

Thursday 6/26: HomeFront,101 Celia Way Ewing, NJ

Presenter: DCA Staff and other State Leaders

Please be advised that this is an invitation-only event with limited seating available.  Reservations will be limited to mayors, economic development directors, business administrators, municipal housing liaisons, and municipal attorneys.

Local government entities are reminded that the deadline to submit a Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grant application for FY 2025 is May 30, 2025. It is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible due to the LEAP program's popularity and funding availability of the FY 2025 LEAP appropriation. Applications initiated in SAGE that are "in-progress" will not be evaluated or considered for LEAP funding if not submitted prior to the deadline.

Similar to prior years, municipalities and counties are reminded that certified copies of adopted budgets are typically made available in July, coinciding with the adoption of the State budget. Tax levy certifications are completed concurrently with budget certifications. Once available, a PDF copy of the certified adopted budget is posted in the FAST system and emailed by FAST to the CFO of the municipality.

The NJLM Mini Conference is a one-day conference held at the Conference Center at Mercer in West Windsor from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Attendees can earn up to

8 CEUs in one day for their professional licenses.

DCA Awards $19.5 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to
246 Local Governments Across the State
Grant Funding Will Help Improve Community Centers, Parks, Pools,
Recreational Fields, and Walking and Bicycle Trails

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) today announced the award of $19.517 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants (LRIG) to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor spaces and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 246 local governments - 95 of which were first-time LRIG applicants - after a competitive application process.

"Well-maintained parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational facilities are an important part of what keeps communities vibrant and healthy because they are so often the places where people gather for fun and friendship," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. "By helping local governments take care of these resources, the Local Recreation Improvement Grants make it possible for more New Jersey residents to benefit from quality recreation spaces that are essential to human well-being."

Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, athletic fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities. The grants can also be utilized for project development professional services such as engineering and architectural costs; equipment costs including playgrounds or bleachers for stadiums or community theaters; and environmental remediation costs required to prepare recreation sites for use.

1.

League Professional Development Webinar

"Accumulated Sick Leave Payouts, Vacation Carryover and Related Issues"

April 11, 2025

10:30a.m.-12:00p.m.

Location: Your Computer

Confusion and Questions are still perplexing municipal officials on how to legally and practically account for Paid Time Off for active and retiring municipal employees.  The discussion will include suggestions on calculating Retirement payouts, Sick leave buy-backs and management of vacation carryover.

On February 25, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy presented his proposed FY 2026 budget to the State Legislature. No municipality will receive less total State formula aid in support of its CY 2025 or SFY 2026 budget than it received in support of its prior year budget.

The State Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes level funding to all municipalities for Energy Tax Receipts Aid (ETR), Garden State Trust Aid, and Watershed Moratorium Offset Aid.