New Jersey's LEAP program boosts shared services agreements among municipalities

Under the bright lights of a community meeting room, local officials gathered to discuss a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars across Atlantic County, New Jersey. The Atlantic County Shared Services Roadshow, led by Shared Service Coordinator Tim Kreischer, highlighted the importance of collaboration among municipalities, school districts, and other government entities.

At the heart of the discussion was the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP). This program incentivizes shared service agreements, allowing local governments to pool resources and reduce costs. Kreischer outlined three types of LEAP grants available to municipalities: Challenge grants, which can provide up to $150,000 for innovative shared services; Implementation grants, covering 75% of startup costs for new agreements, with a cap of $400,000; and School Consolidation Studies, offering up to $250,000 for districts exploring consolidation.

One standout example shared during the meeting was Egg Harbor Township's creative partnership with its Board of Education. By sharing the high school’s athletic field, both the school and the township benefited from reduced costs for lighting and maintenance. This collaboration not only maximized the use of community resources but also secured a $400,000 LEAP grant to support the project.

As Kreischer noted, Atlantic County has been a leader in securing LEAP grants, reflecting the commitment of local officials to explore shared services that benefit their communities. The meeting also featured testimonials from elected officials who have successfully implemented shared services, showcasing the tangible benefits of these agreements.

The roadshow aims to spread awareness and encourage more municipalities to engage in shared services, ultimately fostering a spirit of cooperation that can lead to improved public services and financial savings. As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: by working together, Atlantic County can continue to innovate and enhance the quality of life for its residents.