On Monday, elected officials and municipal economic development professionals attended a roundtable event hosted by the Burlington County Freeholders and the Burlington County Bridge Commission at the Environmental Discovery Center at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park. The municipal representatives discussed their 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. The event was also attended by representatives from Senator Troy Singleton’s and Congressman Andy Kim’s offices.
Freeholders Felicia Hopson and Dan O’Connell welcomed the attendees to Burlington County’s first municipal economic development roundtable.
“Our County government is uniquely positioned to provide focused, in-depth technical assistance to municipalities in a broad spectrum of services,” said Freeholder Felicia Hopson. “This event provided a snapshot into the development process in each municipality, and will guide our county, state and federal policy decisions.”
“We heard the successes of municipalities who encouraged public support through the creation of economic development websites, committees, and branding efforts for their town,” said Freeholder Dan O’Connell. “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.”
“The County plans to summarize the meeting held today in a report that will be available for public review. Our goal will be to provide a tailored economic development plan to each municipality that addresses the site-specific successes and challenges,” added Freeholder Hopson. “Local and regional planning must collaborate in order to create a sustainable climate of growth.”
"Thank you to Freeholder Hopson and Freeholder O'Connell for hosting Burlington County's first municipal economic development roundtable," said Senator Singleton. "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,” said Congressman Kim. “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.”