Mercer County Executive Dan Benson: 'The State of Mercer County Is Strong'

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Mercer County Executive Dan Benson delivered his 2026 State of the County address last week, telling a crowd of more than 200 business leaders, elected officials and residents that the county has turned a financial corner while pressing forward on infrastructure, open space and economic development.

Speaking before the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, Benson acknowledged the economic pressures facing local families before pivoting to his administration's record.

"Families across America are facing real challenges right now, and families here in Mercer County are feeling those same pressures," Benson said. "Costs keep rising. For many families it feels like they're working harder than ever just to keep up."

"County government alone can't lower gas prices or solve the housing crisis overnight," he added. "But there's a lot we can do."

Benson pointed to a recent Moody's analysis giving Mercer a positive financial outlook and highlighted the county's 2026 budget adoption. He said the county's transition away from the State Health Benefits Plan will save taxpayers nearly $10 million this year while maintaining coverage for county employees.

On public safety, Benson cited the implementation of a new countywide P25 radio network and shared services agreements aimed at expanding emergency response capabilities.

Infrastructure highlights included the replacement of the Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton, ongoing bridge projects across the county, modernization efforts at Trenton-Mercer Airport, and the county's Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths.

Benson also touted the purchase of the historic Big Woods property from Rider University and a historic farmstead in Hopewell Township, which will expand programming at Howell Living History Farm, as part of the county's continued open space preservation efforts.

On affordable housing and food access, Benson said the HOME Investment Partnerships Program has helped fund 71 affordable housing units, and that a new Office of Food Security — working to establish a Food Hub and expand fresh food access — has so far served more than 55,000 individuals across the county.

Economic development highlights included the expansion of Mercer County's Foreign Trade Zone and the announcement of a future Children's Hospital of Philadelphia campus in Hamilton. Benson also highlighted Mercer County Community College's new biotech program.

Benson devoted significant attention to Trenton, citing renovations at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, the arrival of the Trenton Ironhawks hockey team at CURE Insurance Arena, and revitalization of the South Broad Street corridor.

"When we support our Capital City, we are making the future of our entire county brighter, because our administration believes that Mercer is Trenton, and when Trenton succeeds, we all succeed," Benson said.

He closed on an optimistic note.

"The state of Mercer County is strong. The state of Mercer County is resilient. And the state of Mercer County is leading the way because we are showing what it looks like when you have leadership that works for everyone."

Mercer County Board of Commissioners Chair Terrance Stokes and Vice-Chair Cathleen Lewis also offered remarks, with Lewis noting that commissioners have worked alongside Benson to stabilize finances, invest in infrastructure and restore transparency to county government.

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