Most local issues have some basis in a larger, statewide or national issue. For example, local education funding is directly effected by state and national funding. Local poverty related problems are connected to national and statewide programs and unemployment issues. Take a look at the bigger issue to get some ideas about your specific local problem.
These sources will give you background information on the larger problem:
Local and regional newspapers are a great place to get information on local problems. You have access to these newspaper sources through the the library homepage. For off campus access, you will need your BCC ID number.
The Bergen Record- Information mostly about the Bergen County and northern New Jersey area. Full-text articles are available through the Lexis Nexis database.
The Star-Ledger (NJ.com) - Information about New Jersey. This is the largest newspaper in the state. Online access to most articles is available through NJ.com.
New York Times- This national newspaper frequently reports on the New York metropolitan area which includes a large part of New Jersey. Full-text articles are available through the Lexis Nexis database.
Other newspapers- For very small newspapers, like the weekly free papers that show up in your driveway or mailbox, try this database.
State of New Jersey -For information about the State of New Jersey from the State of New Jersey, visit the official state website.
New Jersey Municipalities -Links to official websites for individual municipalities. These sites will provide you with government, budget, and community information. You will also get contact information for local officials.
New Jersey Polls- The Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling conducts surveys in the public interest, reporting attitudes about candidates, politics, public policy, the economy, and social trends in more than 160 surveys.
Public Interest Research Group- The New Jersey branch of PIRG focuses specifically on NJ related issues.