First in the Nation Initiative to Support Revitalization of Local News Subject to Funding Cuts
TRENTON – The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium is at risk of losing its state funding, a potentially devastating blow to local media and civic information access across the state. Governor Murphy’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget eliminates all $3 million in state funding for the Consortium.
The Consortium is an independent nonprofit organization created by the Legislature in response to the increasing local news crisis impacting communities throughout the state. Since 2021, the Consortium has awarded $9 million in grants to 56 organizations in 18 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, with an additional $2.7 million to be awarded by the end of the year. Funds have been used to build news outlets, train over 200 residents to document public meetings, and help launch Spanish-language news services, youth media and more.
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Senator Vin Gopal are championing the effort to restore funding in the final Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which must be approved by the Legislature and signed into law by June 30, 2025.
“At a time when many local newsrooms are struggling to stay afloat, the Civic Information Consortium’s work in expanding access to reliable local news and civic information is more important than ever,” said Senator Gopal. “That’s why we are championing a resolution to restore the funding, ensuring people can access the civic information they need to stay engaged and informed.”
“Wherever you come from, the opportunity to tell your story matters, and that’s why we fought for, and will continue to fight for, the Civic Information Consortium,” said Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald. “Budgets are about priorities. And I believe with what we’re seeing… something like this has never been more important.”
“The work of local news and information organizations is more crucial than ever to help keep New Jerseyans informed on issues which impact their everyday lives,” said Chris Daggett, Board Chair and Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Majority Leader Greenwald and Senator Gopal for their steadfast advocacy. We hope the entire Legislature will follow their lead and restore
$3 million in funding for the Consortium.”
The article originally appeared in the May 22 – 28, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
