Governor Phil Murphy addressed the 109th Conference of the New Jersey League of Municipalities in Atlantic City, acknowledging the efforts of municipal leaders and outlining his administration's goals for the coming year. The event, noted as the largest since 2018, was presided over by Mayor Bill Chegwidden.
Murphy commended Chegwidden and Executive Director Mike Cerra for their leadership, emphasizing their success in creating significant engagement within municipal governance. He also paid tribute to two late congressmen from New Jersey, Bill Pascrell and Donald Payne Jr., highlighting their lifelong dedication to serving families across all municipalities in the state.
In his speech, Governor Murphy stressed the importance of collaboration at federal, state, and local levels to maintain New Jersey as a prime location for family life. He outlined priorities such as sustaining public education quality, enhancing public safety through bipartisan efforts, and improving economic opportunities.
Murphy acknowledged ongoing economic challenges faced by residents due to global disruptions like inflation and wars. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires continued efforts toward economic progress. "Our families expect — and deserve — leaders who are committed to maintaining our best-in-the-nation public education system," he stated.
The governor highlighted recent initiatives aimed at providing economic relief to New Jerseyans, including ANCHOR payments which offer up to $1,750 in direct relief per eligible recipient. These payments mark a record-high property tax relief achieved three years consecutively under his administration.
Efforts are underway with Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to support municipalities through grants covering costs related to housing and emergency services. The DCA recently allocated over $100 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for new affordable housing projects statewide.
Murphy also mentioned investments exceeding $20 million in shared service agreements intended to reduce costs while enhancing service delivery across various communities. Furthermore, he noted record investments into New Jersey’s public education system which help lower local property taxes by funding school operations fully.
Looking forward, Governor Murphy emphasized long-term investments necessary for sustaining economic prosperity within New Jersey’s communities. He reiterated fiscal responsibility as a priority during his tenure; citing full pension system payments made four consecutive years along with multiple credit rating upgrades achieved recently by Moody's.
Before concluding his remarks on innovation—a core aspect of both state economy identity—he underscored how embracing emerging technologies like AI could create job opportunities without displacing workers or eroding trust between citizens government entities alike: “We can seize our state’s growing leadership industries tomorrow build stronger fairer economy every New Jerseyan.”
Governor Murphy concluded by expressing eagerness towards working collaboratively lowering costs creating new opportunities fostering inclusivity among all residents throughout final year partnership: "Thank you all your leadership partnership."
