Project Updates
NGO Micro-Grant – Deadline January 31, 2013
Reminder that the deadline for the NGO Micro-Grant Program is January 31, 2013. The NGO Micro-Grant Program will provide financial assistance to non-governmental organizations to meaningfully participate in the development of the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD) for Northern New Jersey. Through the NGO Micro-Grant Program, Together North Jersey seeks to partner with community-based organizations or other groups at the local level that regularly interact with, are trusted by, or include members of traditionally underrepresented populations. Questions about this program should be directed to David Aimen (david.aimen@ejb.rutgers.edu, 848-932-2855). More information about the program can be found on the Together North Jersey website.
Local Demonstration Project (LDP) Application Deadlines Approaching
As a reminder, the deadline for the first round of LDP applications has been extended from Monday, January 7th to Monday, February 4th, with a second round of applications due Monday, April 8th. For more information on the LDP program, please click here.
Upcoming Events
Together North Jersey Steering Committee Meeting: Sandy Recovery and Priorities – February 4, 2013
Together North Jersey will convene a special meeting for Together North Jersey Steering Committee members to discuss near and longer term Sandy recovery issues, needs and priorities in the region. The meeting will take place on February 4, 2013 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the offices of The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (One Newark Center, 17th floor Newark, NJ).
We have invited representatives from Governor Christie’s Sandy recovery office, the Federal Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, FEMA and the NJ Office of Emergency Management to provide opening remarks and to participate in a facilitated discussion with Together North Jersey members and stakeholders. The discussion will focus on identifying issues, needs and priorities in the six Recovery Support Function areas that are part of FEMA’s National Disaster Recovery Framework:
1. Community Planning and Capacity Building Recovery
2. Economic Recovery
3. Health and Social Services Recovery
4. Housing Recovery
5. Infrastructure Systems Recovery
6. Natural and Cultural Resources Recovery
This meeting, while focused on Sandy recovery, should also be viewed as an opportunity to highlight lessons learned from past disasters such as Tropical Storm Irene and to identify issues, needs and priorities that remain important as a result of those past disasters.
Immediately following the steering committee meeting, from 3-4 pm, FEMA will provide an introductory training session on Hazard Mitigation Planning. This session will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the hazard mitigation planning process, what makes a good hazard mitigation plan and who should be involved in the hazard mitigation planning process. Additional details about the training session as well as a more detailed agenda for the steering committee meeting will be distributed in the next week or so. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Miriam Salerno (Miriam.salerno@ejb.rutgers.edu).
“Bridging the Gap” – CBO Workshop – January 17, 2013
The purpose of this workshop is to “bridge the gap” between planners and community based organizations and to promote awareness of APA-NJ’s Community Planning Assistance Program. The workshop will provide a platform for community based organizations to better understand the role of city and regional planners in community development, and acquire access to information that can help them become strong and sustainable entities within their mission area. The workshop will also give planners an opportunity to learn more about CBOs, what they do, and their planning needs. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association and TOGETHER NORTH JERSEY. For more information,click here. Register at
Post-Sandy Access to Capital Forums for Economic Development Leaders
Economic Development Leaders in areas affected by Superstorm Sandy are invited to attend one of three Access to Capital Forums hosted by the US department of Commerce, SBA, USDA, FEMA, NJ Business Action Center, NJ Economic Development Authority, and FDIC. All workshops will be held at 5:30pm.
- For economic development leaders in Southern Ocean and Northern Atlantic counties
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2013
Location: Manahawkin Holiday Inn, 152 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 - For economic development leaders in Bayshore area
Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Location: Doubletree by Hilton Tinton Falls, 700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07725 - For economic development leaders in Northern Ocean County
Date: Thursday, January 24, 2013
Location: Toms River Ramada, 2373 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08755
Learning Opportunities and Resources
Sustainable Economic Development Strategies Issue Brief Released
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Environmental Protection Agency released as issue on Sustainable Economic Development Strategies. The issue brief explores the economic challenges facing many regions, as well as the types of strategies that can help foster innovation, boost productivity for businesses, reduce transportation costs, and provide better linkages to workers, ultimately resulting in more sustainable economic development. Download the issue brief on Sustainable Economic Development Strategies.
Free Webinar on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Proposal for a New Federal Renters’ Tax – January 24, 2012
The number of families facing high housing cost burdens has grown sharply in recent years, but federal rental assistance programs have not grown to meet the need and tight budget caps make it unlikely they will expand significantly in the coming years. The Network and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities are pleased to invite you to a free webinar on a proposal for a new federal renters’ tax credit. https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/756890119 to register. There is no limit on the number of staff from an agency who can register. CBPP’s materials on the Renters’ Credit are available at www.cbpp.org/rentercredit, including an overview of the proposal and a summary of key details.
Other News
Newark Wins Promise Neighborhood Planning Grant
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently announced the 2012 Promise Neighborhood grant recipients and Newark, New Jersey was one of only ten planning grant winners in the country. Launched in 2010, Promise Neighborhoods is a community-focused program that funds local-led efforts to improve educational opportunities and provide comprehensive health, safety, and support services in high-poverty neighborhoods. Read the full press release here.
Together North Jersey Seeks Photo Submissions for Website
Together North Jersey is looking for photo submissions for our new website. We believe this website can be a great venue to showcase the beauty, diversity and dynamic nature of our great region through the inclusion of photos and images. So in keeping with our tag-line “Connecting People, Places and Potential,” we’d like to ask that you send us YOUR favorite images that best represent our region or your county/jurisdiction in the three categories of 1. People, 2. Places, 3. Potential. The best photos we receive will be proudly displayed on the Together North Jersey website. Full details on photo submissions and requirements can be found on our website at http://togethernorthjersey.com/get-creative-and-share-your-photos/.
DEADLINE TODAY: New Jersey Future Seek Nominations for Smart Growth Awards
Are you involved with an outstanding smart-growth plan or project? Enter it today in New Jersey Future’s 2013 Smart Growth Awards contest! Nominations are now open. Download more information and a nomination form here (PDF or Word.) Please note deadline has been extended to Today, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. Winners will be honored at our annual Smart Growth Awards gala celebration in Newark on June 6, 2013.Since 2002, New Jersey Future has honored nearly 70 projects with Smart Growth Awards. Winners are selected from a statewide public nomination process by an independent jury of professional developers, architects, planners and redevelopment experts. More information and entry materials are available on the awards page of New Jersey Future’s website. Information on past winners can be found here.