Hopewell Will Use State Grant For Government Structure Study: What To Know

HOPEWELL, NJ — Hopewell Township has been awarded a $60,000 grant that will go towards an independent, professional study of Township operations and governance.

Hopewell was awarded a Management Enhancement Review Program (MERP) grant through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs last week.

The grant ensures that the review is grounded in data and outside expertise, at limited to no additional cost to local taxpayers.

The grant follows a review the Township Committee initiated in March 2026 to examine whether and how the Township’s governing structure should evolve to meet the needs of a growing and changing community.

In addition, the Committee adopted an ordinance on May 4 placing a Charter Study Commission question on the November 2026 ballot, which asks voters whether to elect a five-member commission to study the Township’s form of government under New Jersey’s Faulkner Act.

That decision rests entirely with the voters, the commission would operate independently and issue its recommendation within nine months, and any change it might recommend would return to the ballot for a separate public vote.

“This is about following through, responsibly and transparently, on a question our community has returned to for years,” Mayor David Chait said in a statement. “We are giving residents the choice and the decision-making power on something this important, and we are making sure that choice is backed by real data and analysis. Our goal is to give residents the information, the choice, and the voice they deserve.”