*As of 2025
Standing Committees
Standing committees are permanent groups responsible for reviewing and refining bills, policies, and events related to their areas of focus. The latest meeting information can be found at Maplewoodnj.gov/Committees. Below is a list of Maplewood’s standing committees:
4th of July Committee
Coordinates events for Maplewood’s 4th of July celebrations.
Meets: No set schedule
Black History Month Committee
Coordinates events to celebrate Black History Month.
Meets: No set schedule
Board of Health
Monitors and reports on health-related issues, initiatives, and environmental concerns in Maplewood.
Meets: First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM (during Township Committee meetings)
Board of School Estimate
Reviews and approves budget estimates for the school district.
Meets: No set schedule
Cannabis Review Committee
Advises on policies and regulations regarding cannabis in Maplewood.
Meets: No set schedule
Coalition on Race
Township Committee member(s) serve as ex officio members of the Community Coalition on Race’s Board of Trustees.
Meets: No set schedule
Code Committee
The Code Committee shall exercise supervision over the Department of Community Development's Code Enforcement Division and Construction Division and shall coordinate activities with the Fire Department's Inspection Officials.
Meets: Second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Committee on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED)
The Townships Committee on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) addresses all matters related to economic development, redevelopment projects and retail recruitment. CEED fosters opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to learn, network and collaborate. It also recommends policies, programs and projects to the Township Committee and works closely with the Maplewood Village Alliance, Springfield Avenue Partnership and Maplewood
Meets: Second Thursday of the month at 8:00 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Community Garden Committee
Township Committee member(s) act as liaison to the Maplewood Community Garden.
Meets: No set schedule
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee shall exercise supervision over matters related to communicating Township information to the general public through cable television, the Internet and other media outlets.
Meets: First Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Durand-Hedden House Committee
Township Committee member(s) act as liaison to the Durand-Hedden House, a historic house museum owned by the Township.
Meets: No set schedule
Engineering, Public Works & Planning (EPWP) Committee
The Engineering, Public Works & Planning (EPWP) Committee focuses on infrastructure improvements and modifications within the Township of Maplewood. In addition, the Engineering Public Works and Planning Committee shall exercise supervision over the Engineering and Public Works Departments. This Standing Committee shall also address issues related to the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, the Township's Planning Board, and the Historic Preservation Commission.
Meets: Second Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee shall exercise supervision over all matters of the Finance Department including budgeting, auditing and the management, custody and control of the funds of the Township and the collection of taxes. This Standing Committee shall also monitor the Office of the Tax Assessor.
Meets: First Friday of the month at 8:30 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
South Essex Fire Department Committee
The SEFD is overseen by a committee of three (one representative appointed by each town and a third appointed by the other two committee members) and meets regarding the services and function of the South Essex Fire Department.
Meets: The 4th Tuesday of the Month at 3 PM in the Maplewood Township Municipal Building.
Health and Community Services Committee
The Health and Community Services Committee shall exercise supervision over all matters relating to the providing of health, social and recreational services to the residents of the Township.
This Standing Committee shall exercise supervision over the Department of Health and Department of Community Services. Further, this Standing Committee shall address issues related to the pool, library, Affordable Housing, YouthNet and the Community Coalition on Race.
Meets: First Monday of the month at 10:00 AM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Holocaust Remembrance Committee
Township Committee member(s) listed coordinate events regarding Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Meets: No set schedule
Joint Meeting Committee
A collaborative committee that meets on an as-needed basis.
Meets: No set schedule
Juneteenth Committee
Coordinates events to celebrate Juneteenth.
Meets: No set schedule
Maplewoodstock Committee
Works with the Maplewoodstock organizers to support the annual music and arts festival held in July.
Meets: No set schedule
Maplewood Memorial Park Conservancy
Focuses on preserving, maintaining, and improving Maplewood Memorial Park.
Meets: No set schedule
Municipal Partnership Committee (BOE & Two Towns)
Collaborates with the Board of Education and neighboring municipalities.
Meets: No set schedule
Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Coordinates meetings and all necessary correspondence with The Essex County Coordinator for operations pertaining to The Office of Emergency Management.
Meets: No set schedule
Pride Committee
Coordinates annual Pride events in June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Meets: No set schedule
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee shall exercise supervision over the Police Department, Emergency Management Services and monitor activities of the South Essex Fire Department.
Meets: Second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Rahway River Mayors Committee
Collaborates with other local municipalities along the Rahway River for environmental and regional concerns.
Meets: No set schedule
Springfield Avenue Partnership Special Improvement District
The Springfield Avenue Partnership is the district management corporation of the Springfield Avenue Special Improvement District, a self-governed entity that funds itself primarily by a special tax assessment on commercial properties within the improvement district. The Partnership was created by a small group of neighborhood citizens who wanted to revitalize the main shopping corridor in their neighborhood. It has since grown to become 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation governed by a board of trustees comprised of business and property owners, local residents and municipal officials.
Meets: Monthly at 6:30 PM at the Hilton Branch Library (1688 Springfield Avenue), unless otherwise noted on the Springfield Avenue Partnership website.
SOMA Two Towns Committee
Collaborates with neighboring South Orange for community development and initiatives.
Meets: No set schedule
Maplewood Village Alliance Special Improvement District
Township Committee member(s) listed are a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maplewood Village Alliance. Their goal is to create a welcoming, interesting, and engaging experience for visitors, provide a favorable environment for businesses in which to thrive, and preserve the character and history of the Village.
Meets: First Monday of the month once a quarter, starting in January
Women’s History Month Committee
Coordinates activities and events for Women’s History Month.
Meets: No set schedule
YouthNet Committee
Represents Maplewood on the Board of Directors for the South Orange and Maplewood YouthNet program.
Meets: No set schedule
Boards & Committees You Can Volunteer To Join:
Access the list digitally and apply at Maplewoodnj.gov/Committees
Affordable Housing Board
The responsibilities of the Affordable Housing Board include the implementation of the Fair Housing Act and its amendments and the rules and regulations of the Council on Affordable Housing.
Contact: Patrick Wherry, Municipal Housing Liaison – pwherry@maplewoodnj.gov
Meets: Quarterly, In-Person
All Access Committee
The purpose of the Committee is to ensure equitable access in the provision and delivery of municipal programs, services, activities, and facilities.
Meets: Monthly, In Person and on Zoom
Latest Meeting Information
Arts Council
The Maplewood Arts Council works to further the understanding of and involvement in arts and culture by the citizens of Maplewood by committing to supporting artistic diversity, accessibility, public participation, and the involvement of the business community, as well as by fostering a healthy abundance of artistic energy in our community.
Meets: No set schedule
Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Supports emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Meets: No set schedule
Community Board on Police
The Community Board on Police is designated to review police activity within the Township and make recommendations to the Township Committee on improving the relationship between the community and the police department.
Meets: First Wednesday at 7:30 PM (via Zoom)
Latest Meeting Information
Emergency Management Committee
The Emergency Management Committee coordinates meetings and all necessary correspondence with The Essex County Coordinator for operations pertaining to The Office of Emergency Management.
Meets: No set schedule
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Maplewood Environmental Advisory Committee is a group of Maplewood residents appointed by the Township Committee to advise them and the municipal government on environmental/green issues including climate change, recycling, clean air, clean water, and protection against health threatening contaminants. The Committee is also responsible for coordinating the annual celebration of Earth Day and developing educational programs for the community.
Meets: Fourth Wednesday at 7:30 PM
Latest Meeting Information
Historic Preservation Commission
The Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission holds the authority to identify and formally designate local historic sites, buildings, and districts. The Commission also has the ability to regulate the future development and/or alteration of such historic places in order to preserve their character. The official Historic Preservation Commission website can be found at http://www.historicmaplewood.com/.
Meets: Third Wednesday at 8:00 PM (In-Person, Town Hall)
Maplewood Fields Committee
The Maplewood Fields Committee makes recommendations with regard to the maintenance and use of fields.
Meets: Schedule TBD
Maplewood Memorial Library
Advises on the use and future of Maplewood’s libraries.
Meets: Third Wednesday at 7:30 PM at the Hilton Branch - 1688 Springfield Ave.
Municipal Drug Alliance Committee
The Maplewood Alliance Committee creates a network of stakeholders dedicated to a comprehensive and coordinated effort to promote and support educational programs and related activities, with an emphasis on youth, designed to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse.
Meets: Quarterly, Last Wednesday of the month (via Zoom)
Latest Meeting Information
Open Space Trust Committee
The general purpose of the Maplewood Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee shall be to recommend to the Maplewood Township Committee the prioritized use of funds from the Open Space Trust Fund.
Meets: Schedule TBD
Planning Board
In accordance with Section 14 of Chapter 433 of the Laws of 1953, the Planning Board is authorized to review subdivisions and to recommend final approval to the Township Committee in keeping with the provisions of the Land Subdivision Ordinance of the Township of Maplewood.
Meets: Second Tuesday at 7:30 PM (via Zoom)
Latest Meeting Information
Recreation Advisory Committee
The Recreation Advisory Committee studies and advises the Township Committee, Business Administrator, and Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs on the acquisition, establishment, improvement, maintenance, and administration of new and existing public parks, recreation facilities, and programs within the Township. The Committee also reviews the annual budget prepared by the Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Meets: Third Wednesday at 7:30 PM (Senior Center)
Rent Leveling Board
The Rent Leveling Board is granted all powers necessary and appropriate to carry out and execute the purposes of the rent control regulations.
Meets: No set schedule
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
The Seniors Advisory Committee makes recommendations, assists with outreach, and responds to requests for advisory support regarding issues related to the status and quality of life for seniors living within Maplewood. The Committee also assists the Township with the implementation of the work plan of the SOMA Age Friendly Initiative.
Meets: Second Thursday at 6:30 PM (via Zoom)
Latest Meeting Information
Sustainable Maplewood Committee
The Maplewood Township Sustainability Committee ("TSC") shall coordinate the planning and implementation of municipal, community-based and intergovernmental sustainability projects. Its work shall include: being the coordinating body and point of contact for the work of the Maplewood Green Team and the Township's Environmental Advisory Committee.
Meets: No set schedule
Pool Advisory Committee
The Swimming Pool Advisory Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Township Committee regarding pool ordinances, resolutions, and rules and regulations. The Committee also provides an annual assessment and report concerning pool operations and reviews the budget and capital improvement plans for the township pool and pool property and to report to the Township Committee.
Meets: Third Monday at 7:30 PM (via Zoom, with quarterly in-person meetings)
Latest Meeting Information
Youth Advisory Committee
the Youth Advisory Committee allows Maplewood youth to have a voice in the decision-making of the Township Committee and provide a mechanism for their advising or recommending actions, programs, new ideas, policies, resolutions or ordinances and for their feedback on current Township services, policies, actions, ordinances or resolutions.
Meets: No set schedule
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Reviews applications for variances and zoning appeals pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55 D-69 et seq.
Meets: First Monday at 7:30 PM (via Zoom)
Latest Meeting Information
