The Prevailing Wage Threshold: Contracts for public work that exceed a threshold of $19,375 as of July 1, 2024, for municipalities, and $2,000 for all other public bodies, are subject to both the Prevailing Wage Act and the PWCR Act.

New Jersey Wage Hub

Dear Municipal Partner:

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority invite you to attend the 2024 Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development from September 17 through September 18, 2024.

Join fellow municipal partners, industry leaders, and advocates who will share valuable information and effective strategies on how to improve affordable housing and economic development across the state.

You won't want to miss our plenary session with key legislators, The Honorable Senator Vincent J. Polistina, District 2, Senator Troy Singleton, District 7, and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, District 19, where they will discuss ongoing efforts to transform our state into a place where everyone can live and thrive.

Other key sessions include but are not limited to:

-             A Statewide Action Agenda for Equitable Sustainable Housing where you'll gain practical skills and knowledge to utilize housing and mixed-use developments to further state and local planning goals.

-             Real Estate Development Through Tax Credits where you'll learn about the NJ Economic Development Authority's financial programs directly available to municipalities developers.

-             Innovative Approaches for Affordable and Sustainable Housing where you'll have an opportunity to explore tools for Tax Credit Applications, Electrification, and Missing Middle Housing. Experts will explore innovative

tools and strategies aimed at increasing affordability, sustainability, and community integration in housing development.

-             How is New Jersey supporting its Main Streets? You'll gain knowledge about support, resources, and successes for Main Street businesses throughout the state.

-             How New Jersey Supports Cities and Small Developers where you'll learn about NJ Economic Development Authority's Government Restricted Municipalities (GRMs) and products/resources developed to support these cities in

a different way.

We are pleased to announce that this year's event will once again take place at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. Our team has been working tirelessly to curate a diverse range of sessions, networking opportunities, keynote speakers, and an overall atmosphere that will promote professional growth during our annual two-day symposium.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference and hope that you enjoy the event!

Sincerely,

The Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development

Notice issued on behalf of the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Housing and Community Resources.

P.L. 2021, c.182 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16) mandates inspections for lead-based paint hazards in certain pre-1978 single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwellings. These inspections must be completed, and the documentation submitted to DCA by no later than July 22, 2024, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier.

Municipalities with a permanent construction enforcement agency are required to perform these inspections themselves. Those without such an agency must contract with a DCA-certified vendor.

Notice issued on behalf of the Department of Community Affairs, Local Planning Services

Senate Bill S-3385 was signed into law by Governor Murphy on July 10, 2024.  The new law provides that municipalities that are authorized to retain and expend non-residential affordable housing development fees have 180 days following the March 20, 2024 enactment of P.L.2024, c.2 to provide the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with an accounting of non-residential fees and residential affordable housing development fees that have been collected and expended since the inception of the municipal authorization to collect and retain the fees.  The revision to the law harmonizes the reporting requirement for non-residential fees with residential development fee reporting requirements also set forth in the new law.  The revised deadline for both types of fee reporting is now September 16, 2024.

We are in the process of developing an on-line reporting system that will streamline and update the existing CTM reporting system previously used by COAH.  We will be sending out periodic updates to keep all municipalities informed on the progress and availability of the new system. In the interim, we encourage all municipalities to continue using the legacy CTM system to report the collection and expenditure of Affordable Housing Trust funds and affordable unit completions.  All data entered into the CTM system, including residential development fees, non-residential development fees, and details on completed affordable units, will be migrated into the new Affordable Housing Monitoring System (AHMS).

As the new AHMS development progresses, we will keep you appraised via future GovConnect communications.

In response to activity around homeless encampments in various towns, along with the recent SCOTUS Grants Pass decision, DHCR's Office of Homelessness Prevention, in partnership with the Division of Local Government Services at the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Human Services, is planning a webinar on July 23, 2024 for municipalities on addressing unsheltered homelessness from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

The emphasis will be on ways to address unsheltered homelessness and encampments without engaging in traumatic clearances that increase tension and complicate coordinated housing efforts, with a focus on:

1) How to connect with Continuums of Care and resources locally, focusing on building relationships and thoughtful planning.

2) Street outreach, Rapid rehousing, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) and other DCA and DHS resources and programs through which persons living in encampments can rapidly enter into housing.

3) Evidenced-based and compassionate engagement strategies that are proven to assist people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, led by some of DCA and DHS outreach providers like Bridges and CSPNJ.

The webinar will last approximately 90 minutes via MS Teams.

Materials will be distributed prior and after the webinar.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced today the grant awards for the FY 2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program totaling $25 million to 372 recipients.

The LRIG award amounts differ from the amounts requested by the applicants. Therefore, awardee grant applications will be returned through SAGE under the heading of "Application Modifications Required" and each grant recipient is required to go into SAGE and modify the "Budget Overview" section "DCA Funds Requested" portion of the application to reflect the grant amount awarded by DLGS.  Please SAVE changes. Go back to application menu and select "Submit Modified Application."

The grant application budget modifications are to be resubmitted through SAGE no later than Friday, June 7, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the loss of your grant award.

Grant recipients are reminded to review their SAGE "Agency Profile" information and update the "Agency Information" page, "Contact Information," and "Vendor Number". Please be mindful that agency updates need to be submitted, so check the task list in SAGE to be sure it is not pending as initiated. Grant recipients are also reminded to update the “Grantee Contact Information” and "Email Grant Contacts" once the grant agreement is sent to the grant recipients for execution.

DCA Awards $25 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 372 Local Governments Across the State; Grant Funding Will Help Improve Municipal and County Parks, Recreational Facilities, and Local Stadiums

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) today announced the award of $25 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 372 local governments after a competitive application process.

"DCA recognizes that a big part of what makes a community healthy and dynamic is having well-maintained public places for outdoor activities. For three years running, the Department has provided grants to local governments to help them upgrade their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational spaces," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez.

Grant recipients will use the funding to help cover costs associated with updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, 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.

Notice sent on behalf of ABC License Verification Unit, New Jersey Division of Taxation

Dear Municipal Clerk:

The Alcoholic Beverage Retail Licensee Clearance Certificates (Renewal) have been updated for the 2024 - 2025 season. As of today, Wednesday May 22, 2024, you can view which renewals have been issued and ready for you to print to allow for renewal.

Be aware, you must have a renewal clearance in order to pass your resolution for the 2024 - 2025 year. Should a licensee not have clearance, IMMEDIATELY contact the licensee, and advise them you have not received their renewal clearance.

All the licenses have been cleared except for the older licenses that were not cleared last year.

Please advise the licensee that they can either 1) contact the caseworker they are currently corresponding with at the New Jersey Division of Taxation or;

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) in partnership with Rutgers Center for Government Services (CGS) announces the publication of Version 2.1 of the N.J. Local Public Contracts Law and Regulations Reference Guide.

This free course has been approved by the NJ Department of Community Affairs for 1 contact hour of continuing education units for the following professional certifications: County Certified Finance Officer, Certified Municipal Finance Officer, Certified Public Works Manager, Registered Municipal Clerk, Certified Tax Collector and Qualified Purchasing Agent

Experience the Power of NJ Certified Public Manager (CPM) Expertise:

Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from two CPM graduates who completed exceptional Capstone Projects and successfully implemented them.

Mark Your Calendar

Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Cost: Free

IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE DELIVER TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL ASAP

On January 11, 2024 the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced that applications are being accepted for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Program that is being offered to New Jersey counties, municipalities and school districts. The Murphy Administration has allocated $25 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to this competitive grant program that supports improvement and repair of public recreation facilities including local parks, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.

This is a reminder that applications must be submitted through the NJDCA SAGE Portal and are due no later than 5:00 P.M. EST on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (no exceptions). Please do not forget to select SUBMIT, otherwise the application will not be received. Also, please be mindful to make sure that the agency information is up to date, otherwise the system will not allow you to submit. If an update is required, it must be done immediately to allow adequate processing and approval time by the Department of Community Affairs' IT unit.

The following are required to be submitted with the Local Recreation Improvement Grant:

1. Grant application
2. Governing body resolution
3. Project narrative
4. Detailed proposed project budget
5. Letter certifying that the applicant maintains ownership of property where improvements are being made.

If your application is submitted, no further action is required.

Murphy Administration Awards $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to 353 Fire Departments in New Jersey. Grants Will Ensure Firefighters Have Proper Fire Protection, Cleaning, and Sanitization Equipment.

TRENTON, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy today announced the award of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the grants to 353 fire departments after a competitive application process.

Today's announcement marks the second time the Murphy Administration has awarded American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grants. In November 2022, DCA awarded $10 million to 293 fire departments.

"I am pleased that my Administration was able to double the allocation of ARP funds in this year's budget from $10 million to $20 million to fire departments, which provide critical, life-saving services in our communities," said Governor Murphy. "The continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for a second cycle means local governments don't have to break the bank to get firefighters the gear and equipment they need. We're putting our federal tax dollars to use here in New Jersey communities for essential services."

"This funding would not be possible without the support of our state and federal legislators, who have time and time again prioritized our first responders," continued Governor Murphy.

"It can be difficult for fire departments to replace equipment when needed due to the high costs involved and financial constraints. The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants give fire departments the ability to purchase the equipment they need to protect our communities and keep themselves safe," said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. "DCA is proud to administer this important grant program and direct federal funds to the public servants who answer the call to serve their community despite enormous risk to their lives."

From the establishment of the firefighter grant program nearly 25 years ago, to consistently requesting budget resolutions towards funding to support fire departments throughout the state, to the creation of task forces in support of fire safety, New Jersey legislators at the federal and state level have advocated for our fire departments for years.

"As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I am thrilled to see Governor Murphy allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to fire departments statewide," said Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09). "I fought to include funding for our first responders in President Biden's American Rescue Plan and I am glad to see the funds put to use for our firefighters. This investment will empower 335 local and regional fire departments across New Jersey, providing them with the resources they need to protect our communities and save lives. I commend Governor Murphy and his administration for their dedication to public safety. In the Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure our first responders have the funding and support they need to keep us and themselves safe."

Fire departments will use the grant funding to help cover costs associated with the purchases of:

-       Protective clothing (turnout clothing ensembles, pants, helmets, hoods, gloves, footwear, etc.);

-       Cleaning and advanced cleaning equipment;

-       Breathing apparatuses;

-       Personal protective equipment (PPE); and

-       Other fire and/or virus protection equipment as determined to be appropriate by DCA's Division of Local Government Services (DLGS).

FY2024 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) Deadline Extension:

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) performed a review of the Local Recreation Improvement Grant applications in SAGE which reflect an extraordinary number of applications that remain in-process and not submitted.

DLGS is urging applicants to review their applications, make corrections if any errors are reflected and submit the application. Upon submittal, the applicant listed in SAGE should receive an email confirmation of their application submittal.

DLGS is extending the deadline for applicants who have applications in process to Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. EST. Please note, the application deadline will not be extended again.

If your application is submitted, no further action is required.

The Division of Local Government Services and New Jersey's Shared Services Czars are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for FY 2024 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grants.

LEAP affords an unprecedented opportunity to incentivize shared services implementation across New Jersey's local government entities, advancing the mission of the Shared Services Program.

LEAP facilitates exploring and establishing shared services by providing counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities and fire districts assistance for the study or implementation of shared services projects undertaken pursuant to the Uniform Shared Service and Consolidation Act.

Applications for LEAP Challenge Grants are due no later than April 15, 2024.