Officials Discuss Economic Development In Burlington County

Elected officials and municipal economic development professionals recently met with the Burlington County Freeholders and the Burlington County Bridge Commission at the Environmental Discovery Center at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park to discuss economic development successes and challenges, shared their best economic development practices, and identified their needs to achieve economic development within their communities and in Burlington County.

Representatives from Rep. Andy Kim’s (D-3) and State Sen. Troy Singleton’s (D-7) were also in attendance.

“Our county government is uniquely positioned to provide focused, in-depth technical assistance to municipalities in a broad spectrum of services,” Freeholder Felicia Hopson said. “This event provided a snapshot into the development process in each municipality, and will guide our county, state and federal policy decisions.”

Hopson said the items and issues discussed will be documented in a report that will be made available to the public.

“We heard the successes of municipalities who encouraged public support through the creation of economic development websites, committees, and branding efforts for their town,” Freeholder Dan O’Connell said. “This event also provided us an opportunity to understand where resources are needed, and how the county should adapt to the changing needs as new businesses and industries develop throughout the county.”

"Thank you to Freeholder Hopson and Freeholder O'Connell for hosting Burlington County's first municipal economic development roundtable," Singleton said. "The towns' updates on their economic development efforts, needs, and challenges were insightful. Certainly, their input will be most valuable as the County develops its strategic plan going forward."

“Our neighbors across Burlington County are looking for solutions to grow jobs and tackle an affordability crisis that has hit our working families,” Kim said. “I want to thank Freeholders Hopson and O’Connell for bringing best practices and sound strategies to the table that will help make Burlington County a better place to start a business and raise a family.”