Form of Government

Hopewell Township is in Mercer County, and operates under one of the oldest forms of government in New Jersey, the Township form. The governing body is the Township Committee; five members elected at-large by the residents of the Township for staggered three-year terms. At minimum one new Committee member is elected each year. 

During the first week of January, the Township Committee holds a re-organization meeting, during which the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are chosen from among the members. The Mayor presides at Committee meetings and votes as a member. The Mayor has all the powers vested by general NJ state law. The Township Committee has responsibility for all legislative and executive matters, the budget and the appropriation of funds, and the enactment of all ordinances and resolutions. They appoint a full-time Administrator, who manages the day-to-day Township operations. In addition to regular responsibilities, the Township Committee makes specific appointments to the various advisory boards and committees that keep the Township running smoothly.