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.

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.