On October 1, 2026, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including almost 70 mayors, state officials, municipal leaders, and business partners, to the third annual Evening on the Bay at the Bay Head Yacht Club. Now a signature NJCM gathering, the event combined timely policy discussions with opportunities for meaningful engagement and collaboration among leaders from across New Jersey.

The evening began with Policy to Practice: KEEPING IT REAL — What the Proposed NJDEP PACT REAL Rules Mean for Your Municipality, featuring remarks from NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak and a panel moderated by NJCM President Mayor Jaclyn Veasy of Evesham Township, with Mayor Michael Mangan of Manasquan, Mayor Barry Conaway of Burlington City, Mayor Anthony Perry of Middletown, and Mayor Sheena Collum of South Orange Village.

The discussion examined the proposed regulations and their potential impacts on municipal infrastructure, redevelopment, housing, land use, and economic growth. The session concluded with a mayor-led discussion facilitated by Mayor Robert Conley of Madison and Mayor Caseen Gaines of Hackensack, providing an opportunity to identify municipal concerns and priorities.

The program reinforced the importance of bringing municipal perspectives into statewide policy discussions and NJCM's commitment to ensuring mayors have a voice in decisions affecting their communities.

After the educational session, attendees gathered for Evening on the Bay, a cocktail reception where mayors, NJCM leadership, Business Council members, and statewide partners could connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed waterfront setting.

A special thank you to our Business Council partner, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, for their continued support of NJCM. As part of the evening's Business Council Spotlight, we were pleased to feature Ron Meischker, Director of Industry and Labor Compliance, who shared his expertise and insights on issues affecting New Jersey's construction industry and municipalities.

As NJCM continues to expand its educational programming, advocacy, and statewide partnerships, Evening on the Bay reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to bringing municipal leaders together, strengthening its network, and turning Local Leadership into Legislative Action.

Thank you to our event hosts, speakers, panelists, Business Council members, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2026 Evening on the Bay a success. We are especially grateful to our Host Committee and Strategic Partners for their generous support and continued commitment to the New Jersey Conference of Mayors.