The Murphy Administration, alongside the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Shared Services Czars, has announced the availability of $6 million in grant funding through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP). The funding, allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, is now open for applications from local government entities such as counties, municipalities, school districts, authorities, and fire districts across New Jersey. This initiative aims to support shared services projects that streamline government operations and save taxpayer money.
LEAP grants are administered by DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and are designed to help local governments identify, study, and implement shared services initiatives. Governor Murphy emphasized this effort in a video message available on the DCA website.
Former Mayors Nicolas Platt of Harding Township and Jordan Glatt of Summit City were appointed by Governor Murphy in 2018 as "Shared Services Czars." They are offering guidance to local governments interested in applying for LEAP or considering shared service agreements. A video message from both czars and DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez can be found on the same webpage as the Governor's message.
“After years of doing this work, we see the incredible service improvements and cost savings that can result when local governments work together to share resources,” said DCA Commissioner Suárez. “This is why, at every opportunity, we strongly encourage local governments to apply for these grants."
“We also stand ready to help local governments with their shared services projects by providing guidance, studies, and technical assistance from experts,” stated Shared Services Czars Nicolas Platt and Jordan Glatt.
The LEAP program consists of three main components: Challenge Grants, Implementation Grants, and County Shared Services Coordinator Grants. Videos explaining each type of grant are available on the DCA website.
Challenge Grants focus on innovation and collaboration for larger-scale projects with significant community impact. For instance, a Challenge Grant was awarded in 2020 for a feasibility study on merging medical examiner offices across Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
Implementation Grants cover costs related to executing shared services initiatives. These include expenses like new technology purchases or training costs necessary for project completion or transition support.
County Shared Services Coordinator Grants assist counties in hiring or designating employees dedicated to promoting shared services opportunities within their regions. Each county may apply for up to $75,000 for a full-time position or $37,500 for a part-time role dedicated to these efforts.
Since its inception in December 2019, LEAP has awarded over 120 grants totaling more than $18 million. Interested entities are encouraged to apply promptly due to high demand.
Further details about LEAP grant guidelines can be found on DLGS’s website or requested via email at DLGS.LEAPgrant@dca.nj.gov. General inquiries about shared services can be directed to sharedservices@dca.nj.gov.
DLGS advocates for local government interests while providing technical assistance with budgeting and financial management issues. It ensures financial integrity across all municipal units by reviewing budgets and governing financial actions.
DCA offers various programs related to local government management finance among other community-focused initiatives. More information is available at https://nj.gov/dca/.
