The Township of Harding operates under the "township" form of government. This is the oldest form of municipal government in New Jersey, having been first established by the Township Act of 1798.  The township form of government is "government by committee," with the legislative and executive responsibilities of the municipality vested in the township committee as a whole.  The Committee establishes policies for the administration of the various departments and appoints the Township Administrator who is responsible for carrying out those policies and overseeing the day to day operations of the township.

The Township Committee members are elected officials whose three year terms of office begin on January 1 following their election at the November general election.  At the reorganization meeting during the first seven days of January, the Township Committee elects one of their number to be the Mayor.

 2013 Township Committee

Standing committees include Planning & Zoning; Finance & Insurance; Public Safety; Personnel; Freeholder Liaison; School Board Liaison; Open Space Liaison; and Board of Health Liaison. Two members of the Township Committee serve on each standing committee and provide oversight to the departments.

Standing Committees

Committee Assignments and Committee/Board/Commission Liaisons