Over the last decade, Middlesex County, New Jersey, has been on a transformative journey centered on making strategic business decisions and investments that have a lasting, positive impact on those who live, work and play in Middlesex County.
The development and implementation of a strong financial strategy, paired with a unique branding initiative, provides Middlesex County the financial freedom to make critical investments in health care, education, transportation, arts and culture, and business. Since 2008, Middlesex County has grown its surplus year after year, decreased debt by $280 million, and maintained a coveted AAA bond rating.
Middlesex County’s strategic investments ladder up to Destination 2040, the county’s master economic roadmap. It is an overarching vision for a future that connects Middlesex County with its neighbors both geographically and culturally through regional transportation projects and high-caliber performance arts centers; enhancements to the educational landscape to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs, inventors, collaborators and contributors; and improved access to cutting-edge health care treatment and state-of-the-art facilities.
The forefront of innovation
In 2020, Middlesex County committed $25 million to the Jack and Cheryl Morris Cancer Center, which will be New Jersey’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital. Located in the heart of New Brunswick, the Cancer Center will transform cancer care through a combination of research, education and patient care, and will provide opportunities for students at Middlesex College and Middlesex County Magnet Schools through customized curricula and hands-on internship programming.
The county is a key partner in another unique project in New Brunswick: the HUB. This 550,000-square-foot facility will be a dynamic environment representing an investment in the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in New Jersey. It will also serve as the official command center for DataCity, the county’s living laboratory for autonomous technology. Middlesex County will be joining Princeton University, Rutgers University, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health as anchor tenants.
Educational excellence
To foster the workforce of the future and nurture a new generation of learners, Middlesex County is making vital investments in education. These investments will strengthen and grow the pipeline of talented, well-prepared workers who are ready to move into — or advance in — all industries, especially the county’s focus industries: life sciences, autonomous technology and food innovation. Both Middlesex College and the Middlesex County Magnet Schools (previously known as Vocational-Technical Schools) have undergone a transformative brand and visual reimagining to better align with the county’s own distinctive brand strategy and the region’s economic growth plans.
Middlesex College, formerly Middlesex County College, is undergoing a complete transformation both programmatically and physically. Similarly, the Middlesex County Magnet Schools further reflect the district’s growth and evolution through an expansion of specialized program offerings to include skills-based training and rigorous academic coursework.
Robust infrastructure
In collaboration with state and local partners, Middlesex County is also transforming its transportation landscape to allow for broader access while providing relief to roadways.
The North Brunswick Train Station, the first of its kind to be managed by a county in New Jersey, will bring a new train stop along New Jersey Transit’s Northeast Corridor. This will provide substantial relief to one of the state’s busiest rail lines, reduce traffic along Route 1 and attract new revenue to the region.
Middlesex County is also working closely with South Amboy and Carteret in developing ferry terminals that will connect the county directly with New York City, making the county one of the most connected regions in New Jersey and providing convenient mass transit options that will ease the strain on existing infrastructure and reduce the impact on the environment.
Building a sustainable economy
These key investments reinforce Middlesex County’s commitment to preserving and expanding a robust economy that supports current and future residents and businesses for the long term. Additionally, on Oct. 13, it will host the annual Middlesex County Business Summit at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. With keynotes, panels and breakout sessions on crucial topics, the summit provides business leaders with an opportunity to network with their peers; establish new partnerships and relationships; share best practices; find new customers and investors; and discuss emerging market trends. Business owners, CEOs, entrepreneurs and residents in the county and the region are welcomed. Register today!
