Trenton will receive $50.5 million in state aid this year.
The allocation, announced by Mayor Reed Gusciora after the state enacted its fiscal year 2026 budget on July 1, includes Transitional Aid and $10 million in Capital City Aid.
It marks the largest amount awarded to Trenton during Gusciora’s administration and positions the city to finalize its 2025 municipal budget.
“This $50.5 million represents the highest level of state aid during my administration and a critical resource in helping us serve our residents and maintain fiscal stability,” Gusciora said.
The aid surpasses the $47 million Trenton received last year and is a significant jump from the $6 million awarded in 2018, Gusciora’s first year in office. That figure had remained unchanged since 2012 under former Gov. Chris Christie.
While the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs initially advised the city to draft a budget assuming $55 million in aid, the final allocation came in slightly lower. Gusciora said his administration will now work with City Council to close the $5 million gap through formal budget hearings and targeted savings.
“We will work collaboratively and transparently to identify savings that protect services and prioritize community needs,” he said.
The mayor also credited Trenton’s legislative delegation—Sen. Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli—for advocating on the city’s behalf, and thanked Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration for its continued support.
“Our partners in the legislature continue to champion Trenton’s needs in the State House,” Gusciora said. “Their commitment, along with Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, ensures that the Capital City receives the recognition and resources it deserves.”
About 52% of Trenton’s properties are tax-exempt, including federal, state and county buildings, schools and religious institutions. That longstanding imbalance significantly reduces the city’s ability to raise revenue through local taxes and has made state support critical for maintaining municipal services.
“State support like this is essential to keeping our services running and our community strong,” Gusciora said.
For more information, see trentonnj.org.
The New Jersey Statehouse, located in the City of Trenton.,
