The Burlington County Commissioners pledged to continue prioritizing affordability, infrastructure improvements, essential services and land preservation during their 2026 Organization Meeting.

Held Wednesday in the Historic Olde Courthouse in Mount Holly, the ceremony featured the installation of Commissioner Dr. Felicia Hopson as the board’s Director, along with the swearing-in of Commissioners Allison Eckel and Randy Brolo to terms on the five-member board. Commissioner Eckel was also selected to be the board’s deputy director.

During her director’s message, Hopson promised that the County would continue to support the residents and communities.

“During the past several years, our county has had to weather economic uncertainty, a global health crisis, political unrest and rising household costs,” said Hopson. “But through all that and more, Burlington County has been there for our residents, businesses and communities. We’ve delivered compassionate services to those in need, while preserving the affordability, opportunity and quality of life residents love and expect.”

This will be Hopson’s sixth year leading the Commissioner Board as director, a modern record dating back to the 1970s. She first took office in 2019 as just the second Black woman in Burlington County’s history to be elected as a County Commissioner and she served as the board’s director in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In addition to her duties as director, Hopson will serve as the board liaison to County Administration, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Economic Development.

Commissioner assignments

Commissioner Eckel returns for her second full term as County Commissioner. She was picked to be Deputy Director for the second consecutive year in 2026, and she will also remain the board liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation, the Department of Public Safety and to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“From keeping county taxes the lowest in the New Jersey to protecting farmland and open space, Burlington County continues to succeed thanks to our ability to collaborate and create partnerships with all levels of government, businesses and nonprofits,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Working together we believe we can make Burlington County even better in 2026.” 

Commissioner Brolo is finishing the remaining year of an unexpired term. He was originally appointed Commissioner last year after Balvir Singh vacated his seat on the board to join the New Jersey General Assembly. Brolo was then elected in November to return to finish the final year of the term. 

“I want to thank the residents of Burlington County who have trusted us to be their representatives in government and to make the right decisions for them,” said Commissioner Brolo. “I’m proud to be part of this incredible team. Every one of us devotes a lot of time and energy to making sure Burlington County remains the outstanding destination we all love.”  

Commissioner Brolo will serve as the liaison to the Health Department, Department of Human Services and the Superior Court. 

Returning Commissioner Tom Pullion will remain liaison to the Department of Public Works, the Department of Solid Waste and Recycling and the Burlington County Library System. Commissioner Tyler Burrell will serve as liaison to the Elections offices, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Rowan College at Burlington County, Burlington County Institute of Technology and the Burlington County Special Services School District. 

Plans for 2026

While outlining the board’s agenda for 2026, Hopson said the County would continue to make investments in infrastructure improvements critical to health, safety and quality of life.

Among the projects on schedule to be completed in 2026 is construction of the County’s first Emergency Shelter, which is being built on the Burlington County Human Services complex off Woodlane Road in Westampton.

The County is also planning to expand outreach with a new Hope One vehicle and add additional staff to the Hope One for Youth unit.

Hope One and Hope One for Youth are mobile teams that travel to locations throughout Burlington County to offer mental health services, education and resources. 

Hope One first launched in 2019 and specializes in providing resources to individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Hope One for Youth was created in 2024 and offers specialized services and education about mental health and substance use prevention for children and teenagers. 

The Health Department is also launching a new mobile medical unit that will bring health screenings, immunizations, outreach and other health services directly to local communities.

The Commissioners also plan to continue advancing parks and trails improvements and add to the more than 67,000 acres of farmland preserved in the county.

“Burlington County is blessed. From our farmland and forests to our historic downtowns, closeknit neighborhoods and thriving businesses, this Commissioner Board strives to ensure our county is the best and most affordable destination in the region,” Commissioner Hopson said. “We provide compassionate services and find ways to help residents overcome their challenges. We carefully manage tax dollars and invest in critical infrastructure. And we protect open space and farmland that make Burlington County a wonderful place to live.”