TEDESCO DELIVERS 12TH ANNNUAL STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
“We are a leader in the State and the nation, and an example of what can be done when you prioritize good government, fiscal responsibility, and the needs of the people.”
HACKENSACK, N.J. – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III delivered his 12th Annual State of the County Address on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, among an audience of County officials and employees, dignitaries, and members of the public at the Two Bergen County Plaza administration building in Hackensack.
“Today, I stand before you confident in where we are, proud of what we have accomplished and focused on the work still ahead,” said Tedesco.
For the past 12 years, Tedesco’s administration has focused on fulfilling key promises: prioritizing public safety and strengthening Bergen County’s emergency response network, revitalizing Bergen New Bridge Medical Center- the fourth largest public hospital in the nation, serving veterans, enhancing the Bergen County Parks System, and investing in the future of Bergen County.
Tedesco set the tone for his Address by first acknowledging the passing of two individuals who had a “profound impact on County government”: Surrogate Judge Michael Dressler and former Bergen County Freeholder Board Chairman David Ganz.
“Michael and David believed in public service not as a title, but as a responsibility…their commitment to good government and to the people we serve continues to guide our work,” began Tedesco. “It is in that spirit of service, accountability, and progress that I have the distinct privilege of delivering my 12th Annual State of the County Address,” he continued.
Tedesco prefaced the opening of his Address by first recognizing the County’s Snow Operations Team, under the leadership of the Bergen County Department of Public Works, for their efforts in responding to two record-setting storms in January and February. Tedesco acknowledged the more than 100 employees from multiple County divisions and departments who helped ensure that “all County roads remained passable, critical infrastructure remained operable, and essential services continued for our residents when they needed us most.”
Public Safety
Tedesco began his Address by highlighting that, when he first ran for County Executive in 2014, he ran on a platform that put public safety at the forefront.
“As a volunteer firefighter and first responder for nearly 50 years, I understand the importance of having a strong public safety response network and ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to keep our County safe,” said Tedesco.
His first act as County Executive was to restructure County law enforcement under one unified command structure, streamlining communication, facilitating better coordination, and strengthening the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Anthony Cureton. Tedesco also highlighted other public safety initiatives that he pursued upon first taking office, such as establishing a unified regional Bergen County SWAT Team, and introducing body-worn cameras to County law enforcement prior to State requirements. Tedesco also recognized the work of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Mark Musella, and their commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats.
Tedesco then emphasized historic investments at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute (LPSI) in Mahwah with the construction of a cross-disciplinary training annex equipped for fire, police, and EMS training. With real-life simulation structures, the LPSI is one of the most advanced training facilities on the East Coast and prepares Bergen County first responders for the evolving challenges of 21st-century emergencies.
In 2023, Tedesco took further steps to strengthen Bergen County’s emergency response network with the establishment of Bergen County Emergency Medical Services (Bergen EMS), under the County’s Office of Emergency Management. Launched using federal COVID relief and American Rescue Plan dollars, Bergen EMS has become a completely self-sustaining and cost-neutral operation that continues to fill critical gaps, support local EMS units, and supplement coverage county-wide. Since its inception, Bergen EMS has responded to more than 23,000 emergency calls.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Tedesco then moved on to acknowledge another promise he made upon becoming County Executive that has guided his administration: to not sell Bergen Regional Medical Center.
Prior to taking office, the County’s Hospital was demoralized, underinvested, and plagued by bad headlines. Shortly after taking office, Tedesco began charting a new course for the County Hospital rooted in public ownership and nonprofit management. In 2017, the hospital was transitioned to a new operator and reintroduced with a new name: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
“What has followed is nothing short of a renaissance,” said Tedesco. “What used to be seen as a ‘hospital of last resort’ is now a leader in innovative, quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare.” he continued.
Under the leadership of President and CEO, Deborah Visconi, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center — the fourth largest public hospital in the nation — offers cutting-edge care while staying true to its core mission of providing care to everyone, regardless of income, insurance status, or circumstance.
Tedesco also announced that, in the coming months, the County will break ground on a 45,000-square-foot facility on the New Bridge Campus, in partnership with Welbe Health. This new facility will expand access to the PACE Medicaid program, allowing more seniors to receive comprehensive care while continuing to live independently at home.
Veterans
As he continued his Address, the County Executive highlighted the work his administration has done to fulfill another key promise: caring for veterans.
In 2017, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center became part of the VA Community Care Network,
Upon taking office, Tedesco also prioritized rebuilding the County’s Division of Veterans Services, which was neglected under the previous administration. Today, the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services is nationally recognized for helping veterans and their families secure healthcare, pensions, education benefits, and disability compensation. In 2025 alone, the Division secured more than $8 million in benefits for Bergen County veterans and their families.
Most significantly, Tedesco highlighted, under his administration, Bergen County became the first county in the United States to end veteran homelessness. Today, Bergen County remains one of the only communities nationwide to sustain a functional zero for veteran homelessness.
“That is how we honor their service— by serving them.” said Tedesco.
Parks
Yet another promise that has guided County Executive Tedesco’s work is investing in and enhancing Bergen County’s 10,000 acres of parkland.
Tedesco announced several projects underway to improve passive and active recreation as guided by the 2019 Parks Master Plan. These include ecological and habitat restorations at Walden Pond (Van Saun County Park, Paramus) and Otto Pehle Pond (Saddle River County Park–Saddle Brook Section). These upgrades build upon similar restorations recently completed under Tedesco’s administration at the Teaneck Creek portion of Overpeck County Park and the Ridgewood Wild Duck Pond.
In late Spring, Bergen County Golf will celebrate the completion of the Overpeck Golf Course Clubhouse — providing a premium golf experience at a public course price. The Clubhouse will also include two state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, allowing for year-round play no matter the weather.
With 335,000 rounds of golf played at our courses and record revenue raised in the last year, golf is growing in Bergen County, and these upgrades invest in its future.
Tedesco also announced that the County is nearing the completion of the capping process in Area IV of Overpeck County Park — “transforming what was once a garbage dump into new parkland.” said Tedesco.
Area IV represents one of the last major opportunities to expand accessible recreation within Overpeck. In the coming months, Tedesco will establish the Overpeck Park Area IV Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from Leonia, Teaneck, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, and the conservation community. This committee will help guide the long-term vision for the new space.
Tedesco acknowledged that, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Bergen County this summer, the Parks System will take center stage. On Sunday, June 14th, Bergen County will partner with the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce to host a Fan Fest and Viewing Party at Overpeck County Park, allowing residents to take part in the excitement without having to break the bank.
Overpeck County Park will also host the 3rd annual Bergen County Star-Spangled Spectacular in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. This free, patriotic afternoon will include live music, food trucks, fireworks, and more. This year’s Star-Spangled Spectacular will include a special performance from hip-hop legends and Bergen County natives: The Sugarhill Gang.
Upgrades to Pascack Brook County Park in Westwood include a new, inclusive playground, pickleball courts, and a picnic area. The Parks Department also plans on renovating fields at Overpeck County Park and Riverside County Park, as well as the installation of a new pavilion at Van Saun County Park. Design work also continues in Southern Bergen County to transform the long-abandoned Carlton Hill rail line into a 1.1-mile linear park on the border of Rutherford and East Rutherford.
“For 12 years, investing in our Parks System has been a promise we have kept. And with these ongoing projects and transformative initiatives, along with the routine improvements Parks does every single day, we will continue to strengthen our parks for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.” said Tedesco.
Shared Services
Tedesco noted that over the last 12 years, his administration has relentlessly pursued shared services agreements to save municipalities money. Since taking office, the County has exceeded a total of 700 shared service agreements with local municipalities, boards of education, and neighboring counties — ranging from mechanical repairs, health services, cooperative purchasing, 9-1-1 dispatch, loaning of heavy equipment, and more.
One of the County’s newest shared service initiatives, Bergen Fiber, has grown rapidly, with 39 local government entities now connected to faster, more secure broadband internet- cutting their costs by more than 50%
Tedesco also announced that he is directing the evaluation of a merger between the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) and the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority (NWBCUA). Together, these utilities serve roughly 80% of Bergen County and process 38.7 billion gallons of wastewater every single year but operate as separate legal entities with separate finances.
Tedesco called this a structure shaped more by history than by strategic planning. A merger has the potential to streamline governance, eliminate redundancies, and operate as a more efficient service provider.
“Our priority is maintaining the high level of service our residents expect while identifying smart efficiencies that save taxpayer dollars.” said Tedesco.
Rockleigh
Looking ahead, Tedesco announced that the County will be taking steps to assess the future of the site of the 40+-acre former Bergen County Rockleigh Nursing Home. In partnership with the Board of the Commissioners, Tedesco’s administration will form a committee including representatives from the County, the Borough of Rockleigh, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, the Bergen County Housing Authority, and a veteran advocate to chart a responsible path forward for the tranquil campus.
Accomplishments
Throughout his Address, Tedesco touted making good on promises that have guided his work as County Executive, and accomplishments and initiatives over the past 12 years that have made Bergen County “a leader in the State and the nation, and an example of what can be done when you prioritize good government, fiscal responsibility, and the needs of the people”
These include:
Investing in Education: for 12 consecutive years, Tedesco’s administration has increased funding to Bergen Community College (BCC) and the Bergen County Technical and Special Services School District. Today, BCC is #1 in the State for associate degree graduates, and the Bergen County technical high schools consistently rank among the best in the nation. This fall, the County will open the Career Innovation Technical High School — a new model of career-focused education that will evolve as industry demands change.
Supporting Human Services: the Bergen County Department of Human Services has been integral to strengthening quality of life for Bergen County residents. In the last six years, Bergen County Meals on Wheels has delivered over 2.5 million meals to seniors, veterans and residents with limited mobility. In 2025 alone, the County’s Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence secured a record $1.42 million in grant funding to continue their critical work supporting survivors. When the federal shutdown impacted Bergen County families last November, the Bergen County Office of Food Security distributed 180,000 pounds of fresh produce and shelf-stable items to more than 1,200 households.
The County Executive concluded his Address by expressing optimism for Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Administration and commending Governor Sherrill for retaining Kris Kolluri as CEO of NJ Transit and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Having built a strong working relationship with Mr. Kolluri, Tedesco is eager to continue collaboration on the extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, the redevelopment of the 133 River Street workforce housing project in Hackensack and addressing the Route 17 Bottleneck.
In closing, Tedesco said:
“Our commitment to shared services, sound fiscal management, and efficient government has made Bergen County more affordable and more desirable—delivering real savings to our municipalities and taxpayers without compromising the quality of life our residents expect and deserve.
People want to raise their families here, work here, and retire here.
Part of that is because for the past 12 years, this administration has worked every single day to make good on our promises.
We have prioritized steady leadership amid chaos, and unity in the face of division. We have focused on delivering real results and always putting the people of Bergen County first…
Without a doubt, the future of Bergen County is very bright. And as long as I have the honor and privilege of serving as your County Executive, I promise to continue to work on behalf of you and your families. Thank you. May God bless these United States, the State of New Jersey, and our great County of Bergen.”
The full 2026 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.BergenCountyNJ.gov