By Delaney Crawford
From the roads we drive on to the policies that shape our neighborhoods, much of what keeps Atlantic County running smoothly happens behind the scenes. At the heart of it all is the League of Municipalities, a collaborative force uniting local leaders to strengthen communities and navigate challenges together. Municipal leaders and officials from all over New Jersey come together to better our entire state.
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM) is a vital organization that represents and supports all local governments across the state. Offering resources, advocacy, and training to municipal officials — from mayors to council members — it’s a crucial hub for those in local government. The League is a great resource for networking, learning and growth for all local government members and has been a big part of our state for many years now.
One such council member who is taking advantage of all that the League has to offer is Janice Johnston. On Friday, Feb. 21, Johnston was sworn in as the third vice president of the Atlantic County League of Municipalities.
With her current and former roles in local government and avid participation within Somers Point and surrounding communities, Johnston is more than ready and prepared to excel in this new role while providing more means to help her town of Somers Point.
Johnston has been on Somers Point City Council for over six years now, even serving as the council president for a time. In addition to her duties within Somers Point Council, Johnston also sits on many boards as well as being the past chair of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and still serving on the executive board of directors.
While Johnston currently keeps herself busy and active with her extensive involvement in our community, she is also a real estate agent — making her a woman who can truly do it all.
Johnston is currently serving her first year of her three-year term as Councilwoman of the First Ward and is the only woman currently serving on Somers Point City Council. Johnston said she has been attending the League meetings since she first became a councilwoman and is excited for her chance to now become more involved as the VP.
The League has been operating since 1915. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps all the municipalities in the state represent their own constituents. The League meets once a month, and Johnston said she always learns something every time the members get together.
“The League is an invaluable resource for any elected official,” Johnston said. “I always learn something at every meeting, whether it’s from the speakers or the people I sit next to. The more you understand the issues and rules, the better equipped you are to serve your community.”
Learning and growing are key points to what the League offers, and Johnston encourages all elected officials in the state to take advantage of the opportunities available. Not only does the League help advocate for all municipalities before state and federal governments, but it also provides educational and networking opportunities, as well as information and guidance on municipal administration and procedures. The League creates research and information services. All 564 municipalities in New Jersey are members, with all elected and appointed officials of member municipalities entitled to the League’s many services.
“I am excited to just be more involved with this organization,” Johnston shared. “I will have more of an opportunity to bring any issues my municipality is dealing with to the forefront and open discussions for solutions.”
Johnston has a stacked resume when it comes to municipal office. As far as what comes next, Johnston is eager for any opportunities that may come her way but is also content with how far she has come.
“As far as any future leadership roles, if an opportunity presents itself, depending on what it is, I would certainly consider it. But for now, my focus is on my duties as a Somers Point Council member and what I can do for the residents of our beautiful town.”
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
