Accomplishments & Priorities
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Economic Development
Understanding Somerset County’s unique place in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, the Board of County Commissioners is committed to supporting their continued growth and attracting new businesses to the region by assisting with planning and training.
- In 2023, the County Commissioners created the Somerset County Office of Economic Development.
- Provided direct support to 150+ businesses, including assistance with site selection and incentives.
- Launched “Why Somerset,” a talent attraction tool for corporate HR teams to recruit and retain talent within Somerset County.
- Collaborated with the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board to host Influencing Agriculture to connect farmers with business opportunities and resources.
- Serves as a critical partner to Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), investing $3M to build a training center for advanced manufacturing and cleanroom technology.
- Leveraged relationships to bring and grow major businesses into Somerset County:
- FreshPet – new global HQ in Bedminster
- Biocon Biologics – new North America HQ in Bridgewater
- Cellares – new IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater
- BAP Pharma – new US HQ in Somerset
- CRB – new office in Bridgewater
- Roche – expanded production in Branchburg
In 2021 the County Commissioners created the Somerset County Film Commission
- Facilitate the government side of movie production and track positive economic impact to our towns
- Partner with municipalities to establish film-related ordinances and best practices
- Established a partnership with RVCC to support their film program
- Provided students film equipment that meets industry standards
- Established annual student-led film festival
- Launched a job training to prepare students for entry-level work in the film industry
Public Safety and Social Justice
Shanel and Sara recognize the challenges faced by law enforcement responding to the complex needs of today’s residents. To address today’s challenges Somerset county created progrmas and investments to assist local police in handling non criminal related activies, such as homlessness, mental health, addiction, food insecurity and much more.
- Provided training and resources to local municipalities to ensure a well-trained and prepared police force.
- We ensure that our police force reflects the community it serves by offering local scholarships to residents who want a career in law enforcement.
- Paying for academy training and the first 6 months of salary to allow local police departments to attract highly qualified candidates.
- Created the Community Police Alliance coordinator program to offer social services to residents in need.
- The County Prosecutor’s office provided CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) to all members of local police departments to ensure officers are equipped to de-escalate situations, especially mental health crises.
Health and Social Services
Sara and Shanel recognize the importance of physical and mental health service needs on the lives of all its residents. Somerset is unique in its direct investment in the Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center that provides easy access to those in need.
- Expansion of the Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center in Bridgewater, adding medical and dental suites all in one building.
- Established a Food Navigator program to embed within local food pantries and help residents in need access critical government programs — addressing the root problems of food insecurity, not just the symptoms.
- Bold and novel investment in mobile recovery outreach vehicles, using funds from national opioid settlements
- Continue to partner and fund local non-profits that assist with addiction, domestic violence, and mental health needs.
- We operate flu clinics and wellness checks for seniors and other at risk populations.
- Providing health officer services to various municipalities through shared service agreements.
Education
Shanel and Sara know Somerset education is critical to expanding our economy, and maintaining a qualified workforce that continues to attract fortune 500 companies to the area. Offering families a quality and affordable alternative to four-year college through investments into RVCC.
- Serves as a critical partner to Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), investing $3M to build a training center for advanced manufacturing and cleanroom technology.
- Leveraged a combination of state and county grant funding to break ground on a $23 million expansion to the Somerset County Vocational-Technical campus.
- Provide additional funding to the greater Raritan work force development board for job training and internship programs.
- Funded adult literacy programs for local residents.
- Expanded firefighter and EMS training courses to support local volunteer organizations.
- Provided training and resources to local municipalities to ensure a well-trained and prepared police force.
Sustainability & Resiliency
Somerset County has a long history of battling flood water and storm damage. As a result we continue to make sure that we plan for the next severe weather event. We continue to invest in infrastructure and resources to assist residents in need.
- Preserved 15,000 acres of open space.
- Expanded Parks With Something for Everyone, including brand new pickleball courts, Warrenbrook Pool, and the revitalization of Lord Stirling Park— a 22-mile interconnected trail network and upgraded horse stable.
- Protected our county against overdevelopment with record preservation of open space, including the largest purchase of open space: the 400+ acres that make up the Hillsborough Golf and Country Club.
- Established sustainable and environmental reviews of all county products.
- Upgrading our public transportation fleet to electric vehicles.
- We adopted a climate change policy that will get us to net zero fossil fuels.
- We have increased energy efficiency in all county building and facilities.
- We updated the county master plan.
- We supported the creation of and training for green jobs.
- We are funding agriculture and forest restoration projects, open space acquisition, and promoting walking, biking, and public transportation.
- Implementing electric car use for county employees.
- Currently in the process of updating the county-wide circulation plan to promote promoting walking biking and public transportation.
- Updating the hazard mitigation plan to address climate change, flooding, and stormwater.
Financial Responsibility
With a AAA bond rating, the fiscal health of Somerset County is strong. Its continued strength is a priority for the County Commissioners, who are committed to investing in our residents and infrastructure to ensure that Somerset County remains competitive, a desirable place to live, work and do business.
- Maintained a AAA bond rating, the highest possible.
- Maximizing use of open space fund to acquire properties, and preserve farms.
- Provide grants to municipalities, to support upgrading recreational facilities.
- Ensuring a healthy surplus
- Offered low-interest loans through the county improvement authority to local public entities.
- Continue to expand shared service opportunities for municipalities, such as dispatcher and health services.
- Continue to manage and oversee county wide recycling to control costs.
- Continue to manage and oversee emergency dispatch services to control costs.
Support Fiscal Responsibility, Sustainability, and Opportunity.
Help strengthen Somerset County by re-electing Shanel Robinson and Sarah Sooy