1923 Municipal Manager Law
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New Jersey Local Government
Traditional forms of municipal government |
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The 1923 Municipal Manager Law was the last type of reformed municipal government the State of New Jersey introduced in the progressive era. The law introduced the council-manager government form of government first developed in Sumter, South Carolina to New Jersey.
The council is non-partisan and elected at-large for 4 year terms. The terms may be either concurrent or staggered, and there is an option for run-off elections. Presently, only Lodi Borough uses run-offs and staggered terms, with half of the council being elected for 4 year terms every 2 years.
The mayor, elected by the council from its own numbers, is very weak and has no executive responsiblity beyond appointing representatives of commissions and boards, and presiding over council meetings. The mayor is elected for a 4 year term in municipalities with concurrent terms or serves for a 2 year term in Lodi Borough which has staggered terms.
The members of the council are subject to recall elections.
Municipality | County | Terms | Council Seats |
Asbury Park City | Monmouth | Concurrent | 5 |
Clifton City | Passaic | Concurrent | 7 |
Garfield City | Bergen | Concurrent | 5 |
Hackensack City | Bergen | Concurrent | 5 |
Lodi Borough | Bergen | Staggered | 7 |
Medford Lakes Borough | Burlington | Concurrent | 3 |
Teterboro Borough | Bergen | Concurrent | 5 |