The New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM) proudly hosted its 60th Annual Spring Conference, themed “From Main Street to State Street: The Power of Mayoral Leadership.” For three impactful days, mayors, municipal leaders, policymakers, and business partners gathered in Atlantic City to exchange ideas, strengthen advocacy, and chart a unified vision for New Jersey’s future.
From dynamic panel sessions on local media, artificial intelligence, municipal revenue, and governance partnerships, to interactive roundtable discussions on housing, utilities, stormwater management, payroll, and transit, the conference provided practical strategies and forward-thinking solutions for local governments.
Networking opportunities were woven throughout — from the exhibit floor and Mayors’ Cyber Café to signature evening receptions, including the Welcome Dessert Reception and Rock the Block celebration. The conference provided unique insights into leadership and governance in New Jersey.
Celebrating six decades of impact, the NJCM Spring Conference is the premier bipartisan platform for New Jersey’s mayors, driving collaboration, innovation, and meaningful partnerships that shape stronger communities.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The conference opened with great energy as the exhibit floor came to life, featuring an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a warm welcome to all attendees. The first session, The Mayor’s Megaphone, spotlighted how local leaders can harness print, radio, digital, and television media to strengthen communication and amplify their message. The afternoon continued with Mayor’s Media Training and professional headshot sessions, equipping mayors with tools to enhance their public presence. Networking quickly followed in the Cyber Café, with the lively Let’s Be Social Reception on the exhibit floor.
We would like to thank all the sponsors and exhibitors for showcasing their goods and services available to municipalities.
For our late-arriving guests, the day concluded with a special addition to the conference experience. All conference badge holders were invited to the elegant 'Welcome to Atlantic City Dessert Reception' at Council Oak, offering the perfect mix of casual conversation, cocktails, confections, and, most importantly, meaningful connections that developed over the three-day conference.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The second day began with policy and advocacy at the Legislative Committee Meeting, featuring updates from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and state regulatory partners. Attention then turned to the future with a session on AI in Municipal Government, which explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping governance and community services.
A highlight of the conference was the Grand Luncheon, which brought together over 325 attendees from across New Jersey. We want to sincerely thank the student choir, the Dunellen Magicals, for helping us bring some hometown magic to celebrate our incoming President, Mayor Jason Cilento of Dunellen.
A robust afternoon of education continued with two innovative panels: Beyond the Tax Base, which offered creative approaches to funding municipal initiatives, and Perfect Together, examining the importance of strong relationships between mayors and administrators.
This year, we had our first Rock the Block, the President’s Inaugural Reception to cap off a successful second day. Guests had plenty of opportunities to network and relax while enjoying Jersey Shore treats, signature cocktails, and red-carpet moments with paparazzi-worthy flair—total rock-star energy.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
The final day opened with the Mayors’ Breakfast, which paired networking with an exciting exhibitor door prize giveaway. The centerpiece of the morning was the Round the World Café, where attendees rotated through focused roundtable discussions on communications, housing, utilities, payroll modernization, new mayoral leadership, and more. Additional topics, such as state planning, stormwater management, capital budgeting, transit expansion, and public safety, allowed for in-depth discussions on some of New Jersey’s most pressing challenges.
The conference concluded on a high note with "Bridging Transitions: Former Governors on Leadership and Governance in New Jersey," a distinguished panel featuring former Governors Donald DiFrancesco and Chris Christie, who shared unique perspectives on leadership, governance, and the future of municipal affairs.
A robust afternoon of education continued with two innovative panels: Beyond the Tax Base, which offered creative approaches to funding municipal initiatives, and Perfect Together, examining the importance of strong relationships between mayors and administrators.
This year, we had our first Rock the Block, the President’s Inaugural Reception to cap off a successful second day. Guests had plenty of opportunities to network and relax while enjoying Jersey Shore treats, signature cocktails, and red-carpet moments with paparazzi-worthy flair—total rock-star energy.
Panel Sessions During the Conference
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 2:30pm
The Mayor’s Megaphone: The Power of Social Media
Moderator: Mayor Jason Cilento
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 10:30 am
AI & Its Future in Municipal Governments Transforming the Way We Serve Our Communities
Moderator: Mayor Michael Stanzilis
Wednesday May 21, 2025 - 3:00 pm
Beyond the Tax Base: Unlocking Innovative Revenue for Municipalities
Moderator: Mayor Sheena Collum
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 4:20 pm
Perfect Together: Building Stronger Administrative & Mayoral Relationships for a More Effective Local Government
Moderator: Mayor Jaclyn Veasy
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 10:30 am
Bridging Transitions: Former Governors on Leadership and Governance in New Jersey
Moderator: Mayor Jason Cilento
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 9:15 am
Round the World Cafe: Public Private Partnerships & Innovations
MAIN STREET TO STATE STREET
THE POWER OF MAYORAL LEADERSHIP
This three-day event offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, collaborate, and engage in discussions with fellow Mayors on key issues impacting our communities. This year’s conference is ALL-INCLUSIVE, ensuring a seamless experience with everything covered under one registration.
Panel sessions will cover critical topics relevant to local governments, providing you with practical solutions and insights.
You will also have the chance to explore our exhibitor hall, where companies and organizations will showcase innovative technologies, programs, and services that can help your municipality save money and improve efficiencies.
MAYORS RSVP to:
Mary Zajack at NJCM@NJCM.org or 609.989.9216
May 20-22, 2025
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Atlantic City, NJ
SIGNATURE EVENTS DURING THE CONFERENCE
This year's conference is All-Inclusive. Mayors 3-day Registration includes:
- Complimentary Self-Parking for Hotel Guests
- All Sessions & Panel Discussions
- Admittance to Exhibition Floor
- Mayors Breakfast | Wednesday & Thursday
- Grand Luncheon | Wednesday
- Rock the Block Event | Wednesday Night