Middlesex Co. To Focus On Innovation, Enhancing Infrastructure For 2025

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners held its annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, at the Middlesex College Performing Arts Center.

Gov. Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, local officials, community leaders, and residents were present during the meeting.

The evening featured the swearing-in ceremonies for Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra.

“Congratulations to Director Rios and Deputy Director Narra on returning to the Board of Commissioners for another term, and thank you for your continued commitment to serving Middlesex County,” Murphy said. “I look forward to working together and striving toward our common goal of ensuring New Jersey remains the best in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

During his comment to the community, Rios reflected on the past year and celebrated Middlesex County’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

“The primary mission of the Board of County Commissioners is to serve every person who lives or works in Middlesex County. We do that by innovating daily and in every way possible,” Rios said.

“In 2024, we worked tirelessly to create opportunities, strengthen our communities, and build a brighter future. As we step into 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to innovate and lead while constantly looking for new and better ways to serve our residents and business community.”

The Commissioner highlighted education as a cornerstone of the County’s success. The Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan is transforming the Middlesex College campus into a thriving campus with a new Student Center, Middlesex County Magnet School, and Multipurpose Venue. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this month.

The College’s dual admissions agreement with Rutgers University, announced in 2024, provides seamless academic pathways for students from Middlesex College to Rutgers University.

Key educational investments are currently in place, including an educational partnership with the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center, which will provide Middlesex College and Magnet School students with unique, real-world training in a variety of fields at a fully operational hotel.

Additionally, healthcare career pathways will expand in 2025 through the RWJBarnabas Health Workforce Partnership to introduce new programs for careers in patient care and medical assistance, fostering stable job opportunities for residents.

The Health and Life Science Exchange (HELIX) H1 is opening in 2025, and future buildings like H-2 will house cutting-edge facilities, including the New Jersey Innovation Hub and Nokia Bell Labs.

In addition to being a leader in autonomous vehicle technology and road safety initiatives, Middlesex County will launch a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center in 2025 to spearhead advancements and house DataCity ― the County’s autonomous and smart mobility initiative.

Furthermore, in 2025, the County will work closely with New Jersey State Senator Andrew Zwicker (D), Chair of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee, to convene experts across all sectors to shape the evolving AI landscape.

In 2025, the County will prioritize quality of life for residents. The County continues to enhance services and opportunities for residents. Behavioral Health Navigators and 24-hour Healthcare Kiosks were introduced in 2024 to ensure residents have access to support for mental and physical health.

In addition to mental health resources, the County's expanded transportation options, such as the RIDE On-Demand pilot program have made commuting more convenient and affordable.

The County also prioritized cultural enrichment by launching MiddlesexCountyCulture.com, an online hub for cultural events and resources.

“Just like we said in 2017 in our brand launch, Middlesex County is where history meets innovation,” Rios said. “We are clear about where we want this County to be in the future, we know exactly how we’re getting there, and we are boldly making it happen.”

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