Start here · Essential guide
How City Government Works in New Jersey
A general overview of municipal government in New Jersey: who makes decisions, what cities do, how they are funded, and where state and county roles begin.
Civic Life and Research
Government and Schools Explained
How local government, elections and schools work in general.
Charter and Renaissance Schools Explained in General
A neutral explanation of how charter and Renaissance schools in New Jersey differ from traditional district schools in governance, funding and enrollment.
County Government and What Counties Do
A general explanation of New Jersey county government: the elected board, constitutional officers, and the services counties handle that cities usually do not.
Higher Education in the Region: Types of Institutions
A general guide to the kinds of colleges and universities in the Camden and Philadelphia area: community colleges, state universities and private campuses.
How Local Elections Work
A general explanation of local elections in New Jersey: what offices are on the ballot, how terms and schedules vary, and how to check registration and dates.
How Public School Districts Are Governed
A general explanation of how New Jersey public school districts are governed: boards of education, superintendents, budgets, state oversight and public input.
Mayor and Council Forms of Municipal Government
A general guide to the governing structures used by New Jersey municipalities, including mayor-council, council-manager, commission and township committee forms.
Municipal Budgets and Property Taxes Explained
A general explanation of how New Jersey municipal budgets are prepared and adopted, what property taxes pay for, and where to find official budget documents.
Public Libraries as Community Resources
A general look at the services public libraries commonly provide, from books and internet access to programs and research help, and how libraries are governed and funded.
Public Meetings: How to Follow and Attend
A practical guide to open public meetings in New Jersey: notices, agendas, minutes, public comment, and ways to follow a meeting in person or remotely.
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