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 ceremony, Commissioner Dr. Felicia Hopson was installed as the board’s Director for a sixth year, marking a modern record since the 1970s. Commissioners Allison Eckel and Randy Brolo were also sworn in to serve on the five-member board. Commissioner Eckel was named Deputy Director for a second consecutive year.
During her address, Hopson stated, “During the past several years, our county has had to weather economic uncertainty, a global health crisis, political unrest and rising household costs. 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 first took office in 2019 as only the second Black woman elected as a County Commissioner in Burlington County’s history. She previously served as director in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. In addition to her duties as director this year, she will act as liaison to County Administration, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Economic Development.
Commissioner Eckel returns for her second full term and will continue as liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation; Department of Public Safety; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. She said: “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. Working together we believe we can make Burlington County even better in 2026.”
Commissioner Brolo is completing an unexpired term after being appointed last year when Balvir Singh joined the New Jersey General Assembly. He was then elected in November to finish out the term’s final year. Brolo stated: “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. 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.” He will serve as liaison to the Health Department, Department of Human Services and Superior Court.
Commissioner Tom Pullion remains liaison for Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling and Library System responsibilities. Commissioner Tyler Burrell will serve as liaison for Elections offices; Prosecutor’s Office; Rowan College at Burlington County; Institute of Technology; and Special Services School District.
For 2026 plans include investments in infrastructure such as completion of Burlington County’s first Emergency Shelter at its Human Services complex off Woodlane Road in Westampton. The county also intends outreach expansion with a new Hope One vehicle plus additional staff for Hope One for Youth unit—both programs providing mobile mental health services throughout Burlington County.
Hope One began operations in 2019 offering resources related to substance use disorder; Hope One for Youth launched in 2024 focusing on prevention education for children and teenagers regarding mental health issues.
The Health Department is set to launch a new mobile medical unit providing screenings, immunizations and outreach directly within local communities.
Commissioners plan continued progress on parks/trails enhancements while adding acreage beyond more than 67,000 acres already preserved farmland countywide.
“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.”
Burlington County operates under a five-member Board of Commissioners responsible for governing New Jersey’s largest county by area at 827 square miles with headquarters located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly (official website). The county encompasses three cities among its forty municipalities (official website), features agriculture alongside manufacturing along the Delaware River (official website), offers document recording/marriage/business registration through its Clerk’s Office (official website), provides recreational opportunities such as Historic Smithville Park (official website), recognizes local women’s contributions through its Outstanding Women awards program (official website), maintains national accreditation for its Sheriff’s Office (official website), enriches lives via library system programs including free online tutoring (official website), preserves early American architecture like its courthouse built in 1796 (official website), traces formal incorporation back to May 17, 1694 (official website)—and remains focused on community service delivery across sectors.
