Trenton Council Faces Criticism Over Outsourcing City Contracts

Overview: The recent Trenton City Council meeting highlighted a issue concerning the city’s procurement processes and the perceived favoritism towards outside companies in awarding contracts. A resident named Grant voiced strong concerns about the city’s tendency to award the majority of contracts to non-local businesses, asserting that “90% of the contracts…go to companies outside the city.” Grant shared his personal experiences of submitting proposals, only to face consistent rejection in favor of firms with whom the city seemingly has established relationships. He questioned the rationale behind the preference for outside companies, particularly when their bids were only marginally lower than those from local businesses. Grant’s comments underscored a broader concern about equitable distribution of contracts, especially among minority and women-owned businesses in Trenton.

Trenton Mayor Discusses Future of Water Works Amidst Calls for Regional Collaboration

Overview: In a meeting, the Trenton City Council focused heavily on the future of Trenton Water Works, exploring potential structural changes to address financial and operational challenges. Mayor Reed Gusciora presented insights from recent studies by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) into the water utility, which serves five municipalities. He highlighted the need for over $600 million in capital improvements over the next decade, emphasizing a regional approach to enhance efficiency and collaboration among municipalities.

Trenton School Board Designates Schools as Safe Zones Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Overview: During a recent Trenton School Board meeting, the Board made a notable move by approving a resolution that designates district schools as “safe zones” to protect students from the impacts of federal immigration enforcement actions. The resolution, passed immediately at its first reading, emphasizes the district’s responsibility to safeguard educational access and ensure students’ security within school environments.

Hamilton Town Council Faces New Affordable Housing Challenges Amid Ordinance Discussions

Overview: In a recent Hamilton Town Council meeting, attention was devoted to the township’s approach to affordable housing obligations, outlined by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), alongside legislative discussions on regulating cannabis retail establishments. The council is navigating a newly introduced challenge process that could affect their affordable housing commitments, while also considering zoning regulations for cannabis retailers to prevent business clustering.

Trenton School Board Names New Leadership During Reorganization Meeting

Overview: The Trenton School Board’s recent reorganization meeting marked the election of Gerald Truehart as the new board president and Denise Johnson as vice president for the 2025-2026 school year. This leadership transition occurred alongside the swearing-in of reelected board members, emphasizing a commitment to continue advancing the district’s educational goals.