The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium is calling for the restoration of funding in the final FY27 state budget. Here's what's at stake, why it matters, and how you can help.
The Consortium is a first-of-its-kind public investment in local news and civic information. Other states continue to use the Consortium as a model for their civic information needs.
Funding supports projects that serve underserved communities and expand access to trustworthy information.
Local journalism helps residents understand local issues, participate in public life, and hold institutions accountable.
To date, the Consortium has invested more than $12 million in community-driven local journalism across New Jersey, with grantees estimated to reach 1 in 4 New Jersey households.
The state has stood out nationally for recognizing local news as public infrastructure worth investing in.
Beyond civic life, local news strengthens our economy and social fabric. It supports small businesses through local advertising, helps residents make informed decisions, and fosters a shared understanding of issues across neighborhoods, cities, and counties.
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium is a first-of-its-kind initiative established by the State of New Jersey in 2018 to support the revitalization of local news and information across the state. The Consortium provides funding to projects that meet the information needs of underserved communities, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen local journalism. By investing in innovative and sustainable local news models, the Consortium is committed to ensuring every New Jersey resident has access to reliable, trustworthy, community-based news and information.
The Governor's proposed budget is the beginning of the state budget process. In the coming months, the New Jersey Legislature will review, negotiate, and determine the final state budget. The Consortium will be working with legislators and partners across the state to advocate for the restoration of funding in the final budget.
The starting point of the annual budget process
The Legislature reviews, amends, and negotiates the budget
Stakeholders and community members make their voices heard
The Legislature votes on and adopts the final budget by end of June
Encourage them to support restoration of funding for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium in the final state budget.
Subscribe to local outlets, donate if possible, and share trusted reporting in your community.
Attend public meetings, follow local reporting, and stay engaged with the issues affecting your town.
If Consortium-supported journalism has made a difference in your community, tell us about it.
"New Jersey has been a national leader in supporting local journalism through public investment, and the proposed cut to Consortium funding threatens the vital infrastructure we have been creating to build and sustain local journalism."
"Local journalism, civic engagement, and eliminating misinformation is worth fighting for."
Tools and materials to support your advocacy efforts.
We will continue updating this page with additional tools and resources as the budget process moves forward.
Has local journalism made a difference in your community? Has Consortium-supported reporting informed residents, surfaced a problem, supported a local business, or strengthened civic participation? We want to hear from you.
We want to hear from you!
info@njcivicinfo.org
Madison McCool
Grants & Communications Manager
madi@njcivicinfo.org
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