New Providence Receives One of DCA's First-Ever Management Enhancement Review Program Grants

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the award of $1.5 million in Management Enhancement Review Program (MERP) grants to 21 local governments for fiscal year 2026. New Providence was among the recipients, awarded $75,000.

Launched for the first time earlier in 2026, the MERP program provides financial assistance to municipal and county governments to contract with management enhancement consultants to conduct efficiency reviews and make recommendations for streamlining operations and reducing costs. The program, administered by DCA's Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), encourages the exploration of new technologies, organizational structures, and shared services opportunities.

DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez stated, "Local elected officials and local government administrators have an interest in achieving cost savings and efficiencies for the residents they serve. The Management Enhancement Review Program is well positioned to help these officials bring about change to their communities by providing essential services more efficiently."

The MERP program provides up to $150,000 for county governments and up to $100,000 for municipal governments for management enhancement review studies. When selecting grant recipients, DLGS considered factors including the local government's matching funding, potential for shared services, potential for cost savings through operating efficiencies, and the level of participation and local staff resources.

The MERP grants are reimbursement-based, with eligible costs reimbursed upon submission of evidence of payment. Within one year of receiving a MERP grant, participating local governments must submit a report to DLGS detailing grant expenditures, specific shared services or operating efficiencies achieved, and cost savings realized. Other Union County recipients included Roselle Borough ($78,000), Hillside Township ($80,000), Scotch Plains ($75,000), and Linden City ($90,000).

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.