By Steve Grillo
Board Member, Downtown NJ
Executive Director, Explore Millburn-Short Hills
Urban Solutions Group Consulting

September 28, 2023

Everyone in New Jersey government can feel it. That time in mid-November when all the “who’s who” of the Garden State converge in Atlantic City for a few days of seminars, educational credits, and networking. I am speaking, of course, about the League of Municipalities Conference.

If you manage a Special Improvement District (SID) or an Economic Development office in New Jersey, you should prioritize attending not only the League but two special events hosted by Downtown New Jersey on Tuesday, November 14th. DNJ’s annual meeting is scheduled for 1:45 PM, which will be followed by a special session titled “Attract & Retain Downtown Retail” at 3:45 PM.

As the Executive Director of Explore Millburn-Short Hills and a SID consultant, I put a high value on attending the Downtown NJ sessions at the League, and here’s why:

• Networking – Downtown NJ is the state’s non-profit leader for downtown economic development. With over 200 members from across the state, the networking opportunities are amazing. The League is a perfect time to reconnect with old colleagues, meet new friends, and generate ideas. Downtown NJ is a membership organization, and the League is a time when members can invite friends to help recruit new members and grow the organization.
• Meet Subject Matter Experts – Some of the leading SIDs in the state are represented in the Downtown NJ membership, as well as various government agencies, funding providers, and topflight vendors. If you are looking to grow your SID, this is the perfect opportunity to meet with industry leaders, learn about emerging technologies and services, and identify strategic partnerships.
• Learn about the Future of Downtown NJ – The board works hard throughout the year to develop programs and services that reflect the needs of the membership. The annual meeting gives members a way to directly influence how the organization communicates, the programs we offer, the policies we advocate for, and the events we host. We want to hear your voice!
  
• Attend a Great Seminar – The “Attract & Retain Downtown Retail” session will focus on creative approaches to adapting to rapidly changing retail trends. Panelists will share regional best practices on how to attract and retain local businesses, maximize the use of ground-floor commercial space, better connect shoppers to local retail through wayfinding, and create unique community events in an effort to revitalize downtowns. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about new strategies and bring them back to your SID board and local elected officials.

We value our members and look forward to you attending our events at the League of Municipalities Conference this Fall.