The New Jersey State League of Municipalities opened its annual conference Tuesday with discussions on rising health benefit costs, housing mandates and statewide efforts to expand minority participation in the construction industry.
The day began with remarks from Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, who said local governments are bracing for a major financial burden.
“A top priority is we are dealing with the state health benefits issue for participating municipal employers looking at 36.5% increases going forward,” Cerra said.
Cerra said property tax relief, municipal funding stability and housing affordability remain major issues, especially as towns work through requirements created under a housing law enacted last year.
“Looking forward, you are going to need resources and tools in order to meet these obligations,” he said.
Cerra said one of the biggest challenges is aligning job growth with housing growth.
“You want to be able to create housing near jobs and then have the opportunity for folks to be able to take public transportation in most cases,” he said. “Trying to tie job growth and housing growth rationally is probably the biggest trend right now and probably the biggest challenge.”
He added that the conference gives municipal officials a rare chance to connect.
“You have municipal officials from across the state who might not otherwise ever meet,” he said. “They could be from all the way in northwest New Jersey all the way down to Cape May, but they find commonality in some of the challenges and the issues that they face.”
Panel highlights efforts to expand equity in construction
The afternoon featured multiple breakout sessions, including “Building Equity: Advance Minority Participation in N.J. Construction,” a panel focused on access, workforce development and opportunity in the trades.
Natasha Davis, a licensed general contractor, nationally certified construction trainer and owner of the Black Ladies of Construction (BLOC) Foundation, said she came to speak about women in construction and the need for additional opportunities.
“We are going to be discussing the disparities report, as well as discussing ways we can help women and minorities in the construction industry build capacity to grow,” Davis said.
She stressed how fundamental the field is.
“Construction is everywhere, everything we do, where we eat, sleep, play, where we live,” she said. “The goal is to bridge the gap for as many women and minorities in these spaces.”
Davis encouraged women to begin exploring the industry and seek support.
“I think it is important that women just start,” she said. “Understand that construction is not just a hammer and nail, but there are so many more opportunities.”
Denise Anderson, a board member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and executive director for the Center for Health Equity and Well-Being, spoke on the importance of achieving equitable access to public contracting.
“At the core, as a society, for all the different things that we need as humans, economic stability is at the core of that,” Anderson said.
She encouraged aspiring contractors to stay informed and engaged.
“Do your research. Check the credibility of the sources of information that you are receiving. Actively participate. Show up. Lend your voice,” she said.
Jonathan Madera, program coordinator for Aspire Youth Development, described his work helping young people enter construction careers through pre-apprenticeship programs.
“There is a difference between getting a job and a career,” Madera said. “A career is going to set you up for the rest of your life.”
He said open conversations about equity help people recognize talent and create opportunity.
“When you open your mind up to a different paradigm, it helps people see talents. It helps people see others’ abilities,” he said.
Samantha Roman, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey, said diversifying the construction workforce is critical.
“It is critically important because the communities that people live, work, pay taxes in, they want people that are working in those communities to look like them,” Roman said. “Construction is for everyone.”
Roman added that persistence is key.
“If we are relentless and bold in our pursuit of this, then we will be able to make a difference,” she said.
John Harmon, founder, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, said his organization works to connect members to economic opportunity.
“If we can leverage Black businesses with other representatives of the private, public sector and communities in a mutually beneficial way, we can make the state more competitive,” Harmon said.
He said access remains uneven across the state.
“There are always opportunities in New Jersey, but not everyone has equal access,” Harmon said. “Hopefully we can get more people with equal access to make our state a little bit better for everyone.”
Harmon encouraged business owners to focus their goals and build strong relationships.
“It is not about who you know, but ultimately who knows you,” he said.
