HACKENSACK, N.J. – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III delivered his 11th Annual State of the County Address on Wednesday, February 26th before an audience of county representatives, employees, and members of the public at the Two Bergen County Plaza administration building in Hackensack.

“Today, I am honored to deliver my 11th State of the County Address. As I have before, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and outline the mission and goals my administration will continue to pursue in 2025,” said Tedesco.

That mission includes maintaining Bergen County’s high quality of life, working to make our region more affordable, and ensuring that our community remains the safest place to live, work, and raise a family in New Jersey.

Before diving into the heart of the speech, Tedesco recognized the dedication of Bergen County’s election workers, thanking the County Clerk’s Office, Board of Elections, and Superintendent of Elections for ensuring a smooth, transparent, and fair election process in 2024. With 463,837 votes cast—one of the highest turnouts in County history—Tedesco praised their efforts in managing new voting machines, extended early voting, and near record participation while maintaining the integrity of Bergen County’s elections.

He then began the speech by emphasizing Bergen County’s strong fiscal standing, with an Aaa bond rating and flat debt ratio over the past four years while committing to maintaining critical county services despite potential budget challenges.

In his address, Tedesco highlighted major achievements from 2024 including the launch of the Bergen Fiber Network which now has three municipalities actively using the service with nine additional set to soon sign on, infrastructure investments, including further progress on the Route 17 expansion project and 31 miles of resurfaced roads, and the continued growth of Bergen County EMS, which recently celebrated its 2^nd anniversary and over 12,500 emergency calls since its launch in 2023. During his section of EMS, Tedesco recognized three Bergen County EMT’s who helped deliver a baby on Christmas Eve this past December.

Reiterating his opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan and commitment to Bergen County’s blue laws, Tedesco reemphasized his position on these important issues as a means of maintaining our region’s high quality of life.

Tedesco outlined key initiatives for 2025 including:

• Workforce housing at 133 River Street, providing affordable homes for teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers, plus a modern enclosed bus terminal.

• Relentless pursuit of shared services, to help our municipalities realize costs through the County’s new free 9-1-1 service, animal shelter, mechanical services, and the BCIA’s pooled note program;

• The opening of the Career Innovation High School with programs in dental science, logistics, and fabrication and design.

• Park investments, including the ongoing revitalization project at Riverside County Park, the construction of a 1.1-mile linear park in East Rutherford and Rutherford, and upgrades to Pascack Brook County Park.

• FIFA World Cup preparation, with new traffic signals and intersection upgrades near MetLife Stadium and a Bergen County Host Committee planning community events, including a Fan Fest & Viewing Plaza.

Beyond education, infrastructure, and parks, Tedesco reaffirmed Bergen County’s commitment to supporting seniors and veterans. In partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Welbe Health, the County will deliver a PACE program, expanding healthcare services to nearly 10,000 seniors. Additionally, Bergen County secured over $1 million in compensation and pension claims for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

The County Executive concluded by stating “We’ve come a long way together. Over the years, we’ve faced challenges, but we’ve never backed down. We’ve built a county government that works smarter, spends responsibly, and delivers for everyone. And we’ve done it by working together.”

“But our work is not done. There’s plenty more to do, more to build, and more progress to make. Despite what we hear out of Washington, despite what we hear out of Trenton, know that this administration is committed to serving ALL of our residents… Whether it’s expanding access to quality education, investing in our infrastructure, keeping our communities safe, or making sure our seniors and veterans have the support they deserve, I promise you this administration will keep moving Bergen County forward.”

“This is our home. Our families, our communities, our businesses —we’re all in this together. And as long as I have the privilege to serve as your County Executive, I will continue fighting for you, your family, and our future. Thank you for allowing me to be the County Executive of Bergen County.”

The full 2025 State of the County Address can be viewed on:

• The County of Bergen YouTube page
• The official Facebook page of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
• The County of Bergen website at www.co.bergen.nj.us

A downloadable video is also available for fair use on Vimeo.