I am a History nerd. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped our nation and our world. One of my all-time favorite figures from American history is Harriet Tubman – the bold, brave abolitionist and operator of the
read more
PAULSBORO, NJ – A $7 million infrastructure improvement project along Thomson Avenue has recently been completed, announced Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson last week. This project, funded through a $4.12 million grant and loan from the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program’s Water and Waste Program and through a $2.89 million loan from the New
read more
We believe all communities should offer safe, affordable housing for residents. In fact, one of our core services is providing affordable housing for low-income households. We love helping individuals and families stay in their homes for years to come. One of the ways we bring affordable housing to communities is by establishing a residential rehab
read more
For years, funding placemaking projects have been central to many community development initiatives. Investing in the local arts and its integration into broader plans is also quickly becoming a key ingredient. More local and national municipalities are ensuring that the arts and cultural programming are part of their revitalization process so they can strengthen their community’s
read more
Did you know that the majority of grant applications are rejected almost immediately? The top reason they’re rejected is because applicants didn’t do their research ahead of time and skipped steps that are crucial to standing out from competitors. Writing a successful grant proposal is a delicate balance of art, science and education. Whether you’re a
read more
Vacant and abandoned properties in the U.S. are on the rise. For many communities, vacant properties have a negative impact on overall property values and may even increase the prevalence of crime. Many municipalities are struggling to restore these buildings and bring them back to life. It’s a long road and without the right tools
read more
Toa55/Shutterstock With the application period for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program opening in a few days, I’m glad that I attended a two-day First Responder Grants Seminar in Massachusetts a few weeks ago. Receiving nearly 12,000 applications a year from across the United States and its territories, the AFG is one of the most competitive federal grant
read more
Source: JamesDeMers/Pixabay During the New Jersey State League of Municipalities annual conference last November, it’s clear that municipalities face a growing problem of vacant and abandoned properties. We spoke with many people who wanted strategies and tools to help them manage these properties in a way that was beneficial for the entire community. It turns out there
read more
Source: Unsplash/Pixabay A neighborhood’s design, including layout, lighting, building and maintenance, can influence the prevalence of crime and fear. When these are present, residents’ behavior is greatly impacted – including their physical activity levels, as well as school safety and performance. Unfortunately communities don’t have the resources they need to ensure every public space and facility
read more
Source: diego_torres/Pixabay Green infrastructure solutions for deficient waste water systems throughout New Jersey are not only effective, but also save a lot of money. That’s why the State Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently announced new permits for the state’s 25 utility companies operating combined sewer systems (CSS’s). These permits require affected towns and sewer treatment
read more