Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Unveils 2026 Budget and Strategic Priorities in State of the County Address
Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Unveils 2026 Budget and Strategic Priorities in State of the County Address
County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios highlights the County’s strong fiscal health and transformative investments for the year ahead
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, delivered the 2026 State of the County address on Tuesday, April 7, outlining the County’s newly adopted budget and a forward-looking agenda focused on infrastructure, innovation, education, transportation, and quality of life. The address underscored the County’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility while advancing strategic investments that strengthen communities and expand opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
County Commissioner Director Rios emphasized the County’s continued financial strength, exemplified by its AAA bond rating from S&P and Moody’s for the 25th consecutive year. Under the leadership of County Commissioner Leslie Koppel and the Department of Finance, the County’s strong financial foundation enables it to invest $90 million in transformative capital improvements in 2026 while keeping debt low and reducing financial burdens on residents.
“My colleagues and I on the Board of County Commissioners feel it is our responsibility to continue to provide stability, security, and consistency to our residents, and this stability is more crucial now than ever before,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “With our 2026 budget finalized, not only can we provide stability — we are continuing to invest in our community.”
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
County Commissioner Director Rios highlighted significant momentum across transformative capital projects designed to strengthen the regional economy, generate more jobs, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Key projects within the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan — including the Multipurpose Community Venue, the Student Center, and the new public high school, Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School — are projected to open this year, further positioning the Middlesex College campus as a dynamic hub for education, arts, and community engagement.
Through the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), the County continues to advance major transportation initiatives along the NJ TRANSIT Northeast Corridor line. This includes upgrades to the New Brunswick Train Station and continued progress on the design of the new North Brunswick Train Station, which is nearing 90% completion.
The County also continues to play a leading role in advancing the life sciences sector through the Health & Life Sciences Exchange (HELIX NJ) project in New Brunswick. The H1 building is in its final stages of construction and is expected to open this summer, while H3 is slated to break ground later this year. The H2 building remains on track for a 2027 opening as the future global headquarters of Nokia Bell Labs.
To support this growth and increased regional activity, Middlesex County will also begin renovations at the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in New Brunswick, ensuring it can meet rising demand from business leaders, visitors, and tenants connected to the HELIX complex.
ADVANCING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
County Commissioner Director Rios underscored Middlesex County’s continued leadership in innovation and emerging technologies, highlighting strategic investments that are modernizing infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and preparing residents for the future workforce.
For instance, through DataCity — an initiative led by the Department of Transportation under County Commissioner Charles Kenny — the County is leveraging real-time data to improve roadway design, optimize intersections, and enhance pedestrian safety. Recent sensor installations near Blanquita B. Valenti Community School at the intersection of Jersey Ave and Hale Street in New Brunswick are already providing actionable insights into traffic and pedestrian patterns while improving pedestrian safety around the school. Building on this momentum, the County will launch a new autonomous shuttle pilot program at Middlesex College later this year to expand mobility and improve campus connectivity.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries and redefine workforce demands, the County is expanding access to AI education and career pathways. Middlesex County East Brunswick Magnet School recently secured a $375,000 grant through the New Jersey Department of Education’s “Expand Career Pathways in Artificial Intelligence” program to develop an AI curriculum, and the first cohort of students is currently participating in this new program. In parallel, two students from Middlesex College were selected for the highly competitive “AI for Impact New Jersey Community College Fellowship,” a semester-long experiential learning program developed in partnership with the New Jersey State Office of Innovation — further strengthening the County’s pipeline of AI-ready talent.
To support the evolving needs of local businesses, the Department of Economic Development, led by County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, will sponsor a technology-focused business incubator at the HELIX NJ. The incubator will offer free or heavily subsidized incubator space, along with business services and support from the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement, helping startups and entrepreneurs scale and succeed.
Cybersecurity and public awareness remain priorities. The County’s Office of Information Technology has expanded its cybersecurity training to municipal leaders and staff, while the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices — both under the Department of Public Safety & Health, led by County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra — continue to educate residents on emerging threats such as phishing, scams, and online fraud.
ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS
County Commissioner Director Rios reaffirmed the County’s commitment to delivering high-impact programs and services that support the safety, health, and well-being of all residents.
To address the ongoing opioid crisis, the Office of Human Services — under the Department of Community Services led by County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber — in partnership with the Office of Health Services, has expanded access to life-saving resources. This includes the bulk distribution of Narcan to community organizations, including schools, rehab centers, faith-based groups, and community centers, as well as the continued maintenance of public 24-hour healthcare kiosks. Mental and behavioral health services also remain a priority, with continued support through the Otlowski Center for Mental Health Care in Perth Amboy.
The Department of Infrastructure Management, chaired by County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, continues to maintain and enhance the County’s parks and public spaces, while the Office of Public Works advances environmental initiatives through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit program, aimed at reducing pollution and protecting local waterways. As part of the CIO Strategic Investment Plan, Middlesex County is also advancing sustainability efforts through the development of a sustainable microgrid and a new combined heat and power plant at the Middlesex College campus — increasing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fluctuating electric rates.
Education remains central to the County’s long-term investment strategy. Through partnerships with Middlesex College, the Middlesex County Magnet Schools, RWJBarnabas Health, and Hackensack Meridian Health, the County continues to expand pathways into high-demand healthcare careers. This year, the Department of Economic Development is launching an accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) program at Middlesex College, enabling participants to earn an associate degree in nursing in just one year. Additionally, the MCIA anticipates opening applications for its new School Financing Program, designed to support municipalities in funding and building new educational facilities.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, County Commissioner Director Rios invited residents to experience this historic milestone and learn about the Revolutionary War through an array of programs and events hosted by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, with details available on middlesexcounty.gov/250.
County Commissioner Director Rios closed the address by extending the Board’s gratitude to County employees for their hard work and recognizing 2025 Employee of the Year Gregg (“Gregg-O”) Christopher from the Office of Infrastructure Operations, for his leadership in ensuring the County’s beloved parks and public spaces are maintained for all residents to enjoy.
For more information about Middlesex County and its initiatives, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov.
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ABOUT MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 21 county parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, Middlesex County is one of the nation’s most dynamic regions — and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. With more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities, Middlesex County is among the most diverse areas in the United States. Its award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools and two-year Middlesex College strengthen the County’s reputation as New Jersey’s leader in education and workforce development.
Conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, Middlesex County has been a premier destination to live, work, and play since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and follow Middlesex County on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
