Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez invites you to join DCA for the launch of NJ Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES), a program that will provide municipalities with the tools and resources to develop affordable housing that aligns with community needs.

Friday, April 25, 2025

8:30 am - 1:00 pm

DCF Professional Training Center - New Brunswick

Presenter: Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez 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, or Business Administrators only.

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.

It's time for the 2025 NJ GMIS Technology Education Conference (TEC)!

The TEC is the single best opportunity for people who manage and/or make decisions about local government technology to network with peers and vendors and improve their tech knowledge.

It's also a great opportunity for decision-makers to learn more about technology. Plus, up to 5 CEU credits have been requested from DLGS for our education sessions.

Government employer discount available to non-members!

Join us on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at The Palace at Somerset Park for NJ GMIS TEC 2025!

CMFO, CTC & QPA Fall 2025 Exam Date & Location Change

The Division of Local Government Services' 2025 fall exams for Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO), Certified Tax Collector (CTC), and Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) have been rescheduled. The Division will be holding all three (3) exams on November 17, 2025, at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This will allow examinees to take these professional certification exams the day prior to the official start of the Annual League Conference.

This Notice is being sent on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities at Rutgers University-Camden

NEW WORKSHOP! Preservation in Practice: A Primer for Historic Preservation Commissions and Planners

This one-day workshop is open to all preservationists, but it is specifically geared toward those serving on a local commission. This program is designed to benefit both new and experienced commission members and will also be relevant for planning and zoning board members and elected officials. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of current topics and issues relevant to integrating preservation into community planning and zoning. The focus will be on legal parameters for implementing a commission, conducting an effective public meeting, and understanding and implementing tools to foster good preservation at the local level.  This workshop is offered thanks in part to the Cambridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and the New Jersey Historic Trust.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cambridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Chapel

255 East Main Street

Moorestown, NJ 08057

Rutgers University Center for Government Services "The Powers & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body" Course

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

Dear Municipal Clerks:

Rutgers University Center for Government Services is pleased to present an online program for elected municipal officials "The Powers & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body". This seminar provides governing body members with an overview of municipal government and the multitude of challenges affecting its efficient, timely and ethical operations.

The six-hour seminar covers essential components of the administration of municipal government. It familiarizes students with the breadth and depth of governing body responsibilities. It also provides basic information about the legislative, regulatory, financial, legal, and ethical environments in which municipal governments exist. Most importantly, it imparts a sense of when to question the administrative processes that involve the participation of the governing body.

Instructed by an experienced professional, the session brings real-life applications and insights to better understand the nuances of public service in government. This program has been specifically designed to address the needs and interests of elected officials serving in their respective communities. The program has been approved by DCA/DLGS for continuing education credits for CMFO, CCFO, CTC, CPWM, RMC, & QPA.

There are two online offerings scheduled on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm via Webex. The link to the webinar will be sent out after registration is completed.

Rutgers University Center for Government Services is pleased to present the 55th Annual Public Purchasing Educational Forum. The Forum program offers purchasing professionals the latest and most relevant industry insights, the opportunity to earn up to 10 CEUs, and a valuable platform to network with peers and vendors. The event is scheduled on April 29, 30, and May 1, 2025, at the Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City.

Enhance your Forum experience by attending the pre-conference seminar, "Green Purchasing: The Purchasing Professional's Guide to Sustainability" (3 CEUs). Presented by Sustainable Jersey, this informative session explores essential resources for a wide range of sustainable purchasing initiatives, including eco-friendly supplies, clean energy procurement, energy-efficient building upgrades, and fleet electrification. Join us on April 29 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM.

We also offer a Valenti/Stanton Scholarship for the new QPAs. The principal aim of this scholarship is to offer financial support to the recently certified QPAs to attend the Annual Rutgers University Public Purchasing Educational Forum.

TRENTON - The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) today announced the readoption and recodification of its regulations, along with rule amendments to improve and clarify the agency's oversight of public contracting and the NJ Medicaid program and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars. The Notice of Adoption can be found at R.2025 d.021, with recodification at N.J.A.C. 19:70.

The recodified rules, which represent the first amendments since the agency's creation in 2008, clarify the public contracting requirements and processes for governmental entities.

Specifically, OSC's Procurement Division has been renamed the Public Contracting Oversight (PCO) Division (link), the amendments clarify their applicability to cooperative purchasing systems as well as amendments, extensions, modifications, change orders, and renewals of contracts, they clarify the advisory, consultative, and deliberative nature of information communicated between OSC and contracting units during procurement reviews, and they require public entities seeking to award insurance contracts using the extraordinary unspecifiable services exception to bidding (meaning without a publicly advertised bidding process) must submit to OSC insurance broker contracts as part of the procurement review. By law, public entities must continue to send proposed contracts valued between $2.5 million and $12.5 million to OSC for post-award review, and proposed procurements above $12.5 million to OSC for pre-advertisement review, except for contracts funded by EO125 or EO166 which should be submitted to OSC according to the executive order, and emergency contracts meeting the cost threshold which should be submitted to OSC post-award.

The recodified rules were based on feedback from the public and stakeholders to clarify and improve existing policies and procedures.

NJLM OFFERS BUDGETING WEBINARS WITH DIVISION LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES (DLGS)

This Notice is being sent on behalf of New Jersey State League of Municipalities

1. League Professional Development Webinar "A Quick Review of Budget and FAST Updates"

February 26, 2025

10:30am-12:00pm

Location: Your Computer

This webinar will review Budget and FAST Updates including:

-  Review of the Financial Automation Submission Tracking Solution (FAST)

-  Review recent Division of Local Government Local Finance Notices and review recent policies and regulations.

-  Get an update on CY 2025 budget issues and any legislation that may affect them

-  Review current issues affecting finance officers

Presenters:

Christine Zapicchi, Assistant Division Director, DLGS, Department of Community Affairs Matthew Gallello, CMFO, RMC, Administrative Analyst, DLGS, Department of Community Affairs

CEUs: CMFO/CCFO-1.5 Bud; CPWM-1.5 Govt; RMC-1.5 Fin; QPA-1.5 Off Admin; CPA-1.5 Fin; NJCLE-1.8; PACLE-1.5; RPPO/RPPS-2.0 M/S

Registration Information:

Municipal Lead Law Requirements (P.L. 2021, c.182.) and Municipal Lead Reporting Portal Technical Assistance Webinar

This notice is being sent on behalf of the Division of Housing & Community Resources

To assist municipalities in submitting data on rental units inspected because of the Municipal Lead Law requirements (P.L. 2021 c.182.), DCA has a created the Municipal Lead Reporting Portal in Simpligov.

DCA has scheduled a Technical Assistance webinar on January 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. The topics covered in the webinar will include:

-       An overview of the Lead Paint Inspection Law: Understand the legal framework, including recent updates and compliance requirements.

-       Roles and Responsibilities: Learn about the specific duties of municipal staff in enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.

-       Inspection Protocols: Gain insights into best practices for conducting lead paint inspections and assessing risks in residential and commercial properties.

-       New Data Tools for Tracking Compliance: Discover innovative data tools designed to help municipalities efficiently track and report compliance with lead paint regulations. These tools provide real-time data analytics and streamline reporting capabilities to ensure your community stays on track.

-       DCA Stakeholder Engagement Survey Results: Explore the results of the recent Department of Community Affairs (DCA) stakeholder engagement survey. Learn how feedback from municipal staff has shaped policy adjustments and improved resource allocation.

-       Technical Roadmap Overview: Get a sneak peek into the technical roadmap for the next version of the compliance portal. Learn about upcoming features and enhancements that will further support municipal efforts in lead paint management and reporting.

-       Reporting and Documentation: Discover effective methods for maintaining accurate records and reporting inspection outcomes.

-       Remediation Strategies: Explore practical approaches to addressing lead paint hazards and safeguarding community health.

-       Resources and Support: Access valuable resources and support networks to assist you in your ongoing lead paint management efforts.

We encourage your staff to attend. The link to the webinar is below.

This notice is being sent on behalf of the Division of Local Planning Services

DCA is charged with reporting on affordable housing data annually in the Fair Housing Act. In order to collect and organize the required project/unit and trust fund information, we have updated and streamlined the previous CTM system to allow municipalities to enter the required information. Further changes have been made to the system, now called the Affordable Housing Management System (AHMS), to increase functionality and make reporting more direct and efficient. We know that many municipalities have already begun diligently working on entering data, we expect that these changes will make that process easier. In the coming week, these updates will be migrated to the system.

**Webinars are scheduled for Tuesday, January 21 from 2 - 3:30 pm and Thursday, January 23 from 10 - 11:30 am to train users on what has been changed and how to use the system to meet the February 15 deadline. You only need to attend one session, and these are the same sessions that we provided in December, so if you attended the webinar in December, you do not need to register again.  Please click on the links or paste them into your browser to register for the webinars:

This Notice is being sent on behalf of: The Division of Housing - Homeless Prevention Program

Join the DCA's Offices of Homelessness Prevention and Housing Assistance for a 60-minute webinar on navigating the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) pre-application and waitlist process to help your consumers successfully submit an SRAP pre-application.

Date: Friday, January 10th

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. OR 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Platform: Microsoft Teams

What You'll Learn:

-       Step-by-step portal navigation

-       Documentation requirements

-       Common pitfalls and solutions

-       Post-submission procedures

This Notice is being sent on behalf of: New Jersey League of Municipalities and NJ Community Solutions

Location 1

Rowan at Burlington County College

900 College Circle

Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054

Location 2

Bergen County Community College at the Meadowlands

1280 Wall Street West

Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

What is the Management Workshop Series?

The New Jersey League of Municipalities has partnered with NJ Community Solutions to provide a new educational program that will teach individuals about the practical side of managing municipalities in New Jersey.

The Municipal Management Workshops are a series of three-hour practical educational sessions. Each session will be held in-person in small class sizes to provide opportunities to learn, discuss and question key aspects of managing a New Jersey municipality. Starting on January 21, 2025, this series will cover a broad range of issues regarding Essentials of Municipal Management.  Included will be Financial and Personnel Management, Organizational Management, Council and Community Relations, and Insurance, Understanding the Audit, and Ethics.

Registration Fee:

Rates start at $250 per course.

CEU's:

CEU's are available for CFO's, CPWM's, RMC's, QPA's, CPA's, NJ and PA Attorneys, and SHRM Professionals

Questions:

This Notice is being sent on behalf of: NJ Civil Service Commission, Center for Learning and Improving Performance (CLIP)

Winter 2025 Courses now enrolling! Did you know that providing training and development opportunities to your staff is a key component for retention? CLIP's has various professional development training opportunities for a nominal fee. Invest in your staff and realize the value of your investment.

We are excited to announce that Michael F. Rogers has joined DCA as the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. Michael brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in municipal leadership, most recently serving as the City Administrator for Summit, NJ. His impressive background includes managing large-scale municipal operations, overseeing significant capital projects, and implementing innovative solutions that have garnered national recognition. Michael has been instrumental in achieving fiscal stability, driving community development, and spearheading successful partnerships in both Summit and Morristown. He has also received numerous accolades, including the New Jersey Municipal Management Association Outstanding Manager Award and the Innovation in Governance Award.

In addition to his professional achievements, Michael is deeply involved in local governance and public service, with memberships on various boards such as the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the Morristown Parking Authority. He holds multiple certifications in municipal finance and purchasing, and he has been a conference presenter on topics ranging from municipal service provision to crisis management. We are confident that Michael's leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to public service will make a valuable contribution to DCA.