The Murphy Administration and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) have announced that the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is now accepting applications for $2 million in funding through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) grants. The funds, allocated in the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, are intended to help local government entities—including counties, municipalities, school districts, county colleges, authorities, and fire districts—identify and implement shared services initiatives.
The LEAP program aims to streamline government services and promote cost savings for taxpayers across New Jersey. Videos detailing examples of LEAP-funded projects are available on the DCA’s website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/sharedservices.shtml.
Former mayors Nicolas Platt of Harding Township and Jordan Glatt of Summit City, who were appointed as the state’s first Shared Services Czars by Governor Murphy in 2018, along with DLGS experts, are available to assist local governments interested in applying for LEAP funds or establishing shared service agreements.
“It makes sense to bring local governments together to see how they can help each other deliver outstanding services to residents and businesses at a reduced cost,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Shared services can streamline operations and reduce property taxes while also improving people’s quality of life. We urge local officials to take advantage of these grants and explore what shared services they can offer their community.”
“LEAP grants are a valuable tool that can incentivize local governments to make shared services a reality,” said Nicolas Platt and Jordan Glatt. “Local governments work best when they coordinate efforts. These grants help foster collaboration that has significant positive effects for New Jersey residents.”
The LEAP program consists of three main components: Challenge Grants, Implementation Grants, and County Coordinator Grants. Videos explaining these grant types are also available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/Leap_grants.shtml.
Challenge Grants reimburse eligible expenses during the development of approved programs under the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act (NJSA 40:65-1 et seq). Local government units can compete for up to $150,000 per county for their proposals; multiple entities may apply jointly.
Implementation Grants support costs related to executing shared service agreements. Eligible one-time reimbursable expenses include new technology purchases, rebranding costs, equipment or vehicle acquisition, professional fees, facility rentals, payroll system conversions, and training costs.
County Coordinator Grants provide funding—up to $75,000—to hire or designate employees who will work locally with counties and governmental entities to identify opportunities for shared services. Counties employing part-time coordinators (at least 20 hours per week) may receive up to $37,500.
Since its launch in December 2019, more than 160 LEAP grants totaling over $24 million have been awarded statewide. Recent projects facilitated by DLGS include municipal EMS studies in Berlin Township ($80,000), solid waste management studies in Wayne Township ($50,000), building inspection services in Stafford Township ($360,000), shared tax collector arrangements in Scotch Plains Township ($115,000), GIS software upgrades in Atlantic County ($300,000), dispatch equipment outfitting in Robbinsville Township ($200,000), public safety programs in Camden County ($250,000), inmate transportation solutions in Morris County ($145,400), street sweeper sharing agreements in Downe Township ($225,000), utility management services via Plumsted MUA ($300,000), municipal court operations enhancements in Somerdale Borough ($187,500), water/sewer operations improvements in Long Beach Township ($225,000), hazmat response coordination in Mercer County ($325,000), sheriff EMS programs expansion in Monmouth County ($300,000), and commercial driver’s license training initiatives in Somerset County ($200,000).
Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for all three types of LEAP grants before April 15th , 2026; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until then but early submission is recommended due to limited funds.
For further information about grant guidelines or required documentation visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/Leap_grants.shtml or contact DLGS.LEAPgrant@dca.nj.gov . General questions about shared services can be sent to sharedservices@dca.nj.gov .
DLGS serves as an advocate for local government interests by providing technical assistance on budgets , financial reporting , joint purchasing , procurement , management issues , ensuring financial integrity across all units . It reviews budgets from municipalities , counties , fire districts ; analyzes financial measures ; regulates official conduct .
The DCA also manages affordable housing production , fire safety , building security , community planning/development , rental/utilities assistance , disaster recovery/mitigation , information privacy protection , historic preservation . More details about DCA programs can be found at https://nj.gov/dca/.
