Mercer County Executive Dan Benson Delivers 2026 State of the County Address

West Windsor, NJ – Mercer County Executive Dan Benson delivered his 2026 State of the County Address at a gathering hosted by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce. Speaking before a crowd of over 200 local businesspeople, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and residents, Benson reflected on the County’s historic progress over the past two and a half years and detailed many of the investments, projects, and partnerships that are helping move Mercer forward.

The County Executive opened by acknowledging that “Families across America are facing real challenges right now, and families here in mercer County are feeling those same pressures. Costs keep rising. For many families it feels like they’re working harder than ever just to keep up.”

“County government alone can’t lower gas prices or solve the housing crisis overnight,” Benson said. “But there’s a lot we can do. We can support working families by providing great County services. We can continue to invest in projects that improve everyday life. We can tighten our belts and make government more efficient. And that’s exactly what this administration is doing, every day.”

Benson said his Administration’s leadership is already paying off.

“When you travel across Mercer County today, you can feel something’s changed. There’s a renewed sense of energy. Projects that sat on the shelf for years are finally moving. Communities are seeing investments that have been long overdue. And people are seeing what leadership that works for everyone truly looks like.”

The County Executive provided the audience with an update on the County’s financial turnaround. After taking the reigns of a County government that had been rocked by extensive financial mismanagement, Benson said that his team had worked tirelessly to clean up County finances and modernize operations. He pointed to a recent Moody’s analysis, which gave Mercer a positive financial outlook, as well as the adoption of the County’s 2026 budget. Benson also discussed the County’s efforts to reduce costs without impacting services, noting that the County’s transition away from the State Health Benefits Plan will save taxpayers nearly $10 million this year, while preserving high-quality healthcare for County employees.

Benson discussed several major public safety projects, including the implementation of a new countywide P25 radio network and various shared services agreements that expand emergency response capabilities throughout the County.

Benson also pointed to the many major infrastructure projects that are underway, including the replacement of the Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton as well as other bridge projects across the County. He highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts at the Trenton-Mercer Airport and the County’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths.

Discussing the County’s ongoing investment in improving residents’ quality of life, Benson touched on improvements to the County’s libraries, efforts to make County facilities more accessible for residents with disabilities, and ongoing efforts to build out Mercer County’s trail network. He also discussed the County’s continuing efforts to preserve open space, including the purchase of the historic Big Woods from Rider University, and the purchase of a historic farmstead in Hopewell Township, which will be used to expand programming at Howell Living History Farm.

Benson emphasized that the County continues to focus on the needs of its most vulnerable residents.

“At a time when too many families are struggling with rising costs, we’ve worked to support the amazing non-profit organizations that are on the front lines helping our neighbors every day.”

These efforts include the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which has helped to fund and support 71 affordable housing units. Benson also established an Office of Food Security, which is partnering with local organizations to establish a new Food Hub and expand access to fresh food. So far, Benson said, these efforts have provided assistance to more than 55,000 individuals across the County.

The County Executive highlighted several extensive economic development initiatives, including the expansion of Mercer County’s Foreign Trade Zone and the future Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia campus in Hamilton. He noted the important role Mercer County Community College plays in preparing students for good jobs, and highlighted the County’s continuing support for the College as it continues to innovate with offerings like its new biotech program.

Benson devoted a significant portion of the address to the transformative projects underway in Trenton, which include renovations at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, the arrival of the Trenton Ironhawks hockey team at CURE Insurance Arena, and the revitalization of the South Broad Street corridor.

“When we support our Capital City, we are making the future of our entire county brighter, because our administration believes that Mercer is Trenton, and when Trenton succeeds, we all succeed.” Benson said.

Benson concluded by thanking the County employees, his cabinet, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, state and local elected officials, community organizations and nonprofits, labor unions, and Mercer’s residents for their continuing partnership and dedication to the community. He said that although Mercer County continues to face challenges, he remains optimistic about the future.

“I believe people want leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves, focus on results, and keep moving forward That’s what we've tried to do over the last two and a half years. And that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.”

“The state of Mercer County is strong. The state of Mercer County is resilient. And the state of Mercer County is leading the way because we are showing what it looks like when you have leadership that works for everyone.”

The full text of the State of the County Address can be viewed here. A video of the speech can be viewed here, courtesy of YourTownTube.

“I’m proud of what our Mercer County government has achieved over the past year, as we’ve worked together to deliver the innovative, efficient, and fiscally responsible government that our residents deserve,” said Mercer County Board of Commissioners Chair Terrance Stokes. “As we navigate the uncertainty coming out of Washington, we remain firm in our commitment to uplift our most vulnerable and make government work for all our residents.”

“Over the past few years the Commissioners have worked alongside County Executive Benson to stabilize our finances, invest in our future, and restore transparency to our County government,” said Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Cathleen Lewis. “We’re excited to see major projects moving forward, as we work to make our County roads and transportation systems greener, safer, and more accessible for everyone in Mercer.”

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