The Burlington County Commissioners have reaffirmed their commitment to affordability, infrastructure improvements, essential services, and land preservation during their 2026 Organization Meeting held at the Historic Olde Courthouse in Mount Holly.
At the meeting, Commissioner Dr. Felicia Hopson was installed as the board’s Director for a sixth consecutive year. Commissioners Allison Eckel and Randy Brolo were sworn in to terms on the five-member board. Commissioner Eckel was also selected as deputy director.
During her remarks, Hopson emphasized continued support for county residents and communities. “During the past several years, our county has had to weather economic uncertainty, a global health crisis, political unrest and rising household costs,” said Hopson. “But through all that and more, Burlington County has been there for our residents, businesses and communities. We’ve delivered compassionate services to those in need, while preserving the affordability, opportunity and quality of life residents love and expect.”
Hopson is serving her sixth year as director since first taking office in 2019. She is only the second Black woman elected as a County Commissioner in Burlington County’s history. In addition to leading the board, she will serve as liaison to County Administration, Department of Corrections, and Department of Economic Development.
Commissioner assignments were also announced at the meeting. Eckel begins her second full term as commissioner and was chosen deputy director for a second year. She remains liaison to Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation; Public Safety; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
“From keeping county taxes the lowest in New Jersey to protecting farmland and open space, Burlington County continues to succeed thanks to our ability to collaborate and create partnerships with all levels of government, businesses and nonprofits,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Working together we believe we can make Burlington County even better in 2026.”
Brolo completes an unexpired term after being appointed last year following Balvir Singh’s move to the New Jersey General Assembly. He was elected in November to finish out that term.
“I want to thank the residents of Burlington County who have trusted us to be their representatives in government and to make the right decisions for them,” said Commissioner Brolo. “I’m proud to be part of this incredible team. Every one of us devotes a lot of time and energy to making sure Burlington County remains the outstanding destination we all love.”
Brolo will act as liaison for Health Department matters, Human Services, and Superior Court.
Other commissioners’ roles include Tom Pullion overseeing Public Works; Solid Waste & Recycling; Library System; while Tyler Burrell serves as liaison for Elections offices; Prosecutor’s Office; Rowan College at Burlington County; Institute of Technology; Special Services School District.
For 2026 plans include further investments in infrastructure vital for health and safety. The construction of Burlington County’s first Emergency Shelter is scheduled for completion this year at the Human Services complex off Woodlane Road in Westampton.
The county intends additional outreach through a new Hope One vehicle plus more staff for Hope One for Youth—mobile teams providing mental health services throughout Burlington County since 2019 (Hope One) with youth-focused efforts beginning in 2024 (Hope One for Youth).
A new mobile medical unit from the Health Department will deliver screenings, immunizations, outreach programs directly into local communities.
Commissioners plan continued parks/trails upgrades alongside efforts adding acreage beyond over 67,000 acres already preserved farmland within New Jersey’s largest county by area (source). The region includes significant natural resources such as Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre site with forests, meadows, streams, wetlands—and encompasses three cities among its forty political subdivisions (source).
“Burlington County is blessed. From our farmland and forests to our historic downtowns, closeknit neighborhoods and thriving businesses, this Commissioner Board strives to ensure our county is the best and most affordable destination in the region,” Hopson said. “We provide compassionate services and find ways to help residents overcome their challenges. We carefully manage tax dollars and invest in critical infrastructure. And we protect open space and farmland that make Burlington County a wonderful place to live.”
The Board consists of five at-large members operating under an administrative structure led by Eve Cullinan (source). Programs such as Outstanding Women of Burlington County highlight community contributions (source), while library system initiatives aim at enriching lives through learning opportunities (source).
