Big shifts are hitting South Jersey right now. Honestly, if you live between the Delaware River and the Pine Barrens, your daily routine is probably about to look a little different. It's not just the usual chatter. From a major leadership shake-up in Mount Holly to a massive expansion of the trails we use every weekend, there's a lot to keep track of.
Burlington County NJ News: The 2026 Roadmap
Earlier this month, the Burlington County Board of Commissioners met for their 2026 reorganization. Dr. Felicia Hopson was selected to lead the board as Director for her sixth consecutive year. That’s a record. It basically means the county is doubling down on the strategies they’ve used for the last half-decade. Joining her are Commissioners Allison Eckel, who is now Deputy Director, and Randy Brolo.
What does this mean for your wallet? They’re promising to keep county taxes among the lowest in New Jersey. That’s a tall order given how everything else is getting more expensive. They are also moving fast on infrastructure. One of the biggest projects finishing this year is the county’s first-ever Emergency Shelter in Westampton. It’s located right on the Human Services complex off Woodlane Road.
Health and Safety Updates
You might see more "Hope One" vans around soon. These are the mobile units that offer mental health services and addiction resources. They’re adding a specific "Hope One for Youth" unit because, frankly, the need has skyrocketed.
- New Mobile Medical Unit: The Health Department is launching a van to bring immunizations and screenings directly to neighborhoods.
- Animal Shelter Success: Sue, a two-month-old kitten found on Route 38, became the first adoption of 2026. Shortly after, Kai, a 9-year-old pitbull mix, found a home in Mount Holly.
- Emergency Services: A new "Code Blue" transportation schedule is active to help unhoused residents find warmth during these January freezes.
New Trails and the Great Outdoors
If you like to bike or hike, 2025 ended with some massive news that is just starting to take shape now. The Commissioners approved contracts for feasibility studies on two major trail extensions. We’re talking about a 13-mile stretch of the Delaware River Heritage Trail. It’s planned to run from Florence all the way through Burlington Township, Beverly, Edgewater Park, and Delanco.
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It’s an ambitious "river-to-rail" connection. The goal is to link the Burlington City Riverfront Promenade directly to the Delanco River Line station.
There is also the Kinkora Trail. A 3.25-mile extension is being studied for Mansfield. Plus, a $1.5 million federal grant was just secured for the "Smithville Park Connector." This will be a 1.25-mile ADA-accessible trail connecting Historic Smithville Park to the Rancocas Valley Regional High School sports complex.
A Tough Month for Local Farmers and Horse Owners
It hasn't all been good news. On January 7, 2026, a property in Burlington County was placed under quarantine. A horse tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). It’s a scary, neurologic form of the virus. Sadly, the 18-year-old horse had to be humanely euthanized.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is monitoring the remaining horses on that property. This doesn't affect humans, but if you own horses in the area, the state is urging extra biosecurity. Scrub your boots. Don't share water buckets.
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On a lighter note for the ag community, the Burlington County Farmers Market was recently ranked as the #1 market in New Jersey by the American Farmland Trust. It also hit the #1 spot in the Northeast. If you haven't been to the winter markets at the fairgrounds, you're missing out on some of the best local honey and root veggies in the state.
Local Events to Mark Down
The county is gearing up for the 250th anniversary of the United States. They just handed out over $78,000 in history grants to 17 local groups.
- Revolutionary War Reenactments: In May 2026, the Historical Society of Moorestown is hosting a massive event with a replica of George Washington’s tent compound.
- Black Veterans Event: The Underground Railroad Museum in Eastampton is planning a "Black Veterans of the Decades" event for June.
- African-American Memorabilia: On January 23, there’s a Pete Green memorabilia showcase in Burlington City.
- Local Music: The V. Shayne Frederick Trio is playing at "The Dime" on February 7.
Roadwork and Safety Alerts
Driving around here has been a bit of a mess lately. Just yesterday, a major crash on Route 73 in Moorestown took out a traffic signal. It jammed up the northbound and southbound lanes for hours.
State Police also recently released reports on a fatal crash on Route 206 in Southampton. It’s a reminder that these rural stretches can be incredibly dangerous when the sun goes down or the ice patches form.
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Speaking of ice, the Mount Holly Police Department issued a serious warning after three children fell through a frozen lake in December. Fortunately, they were rescued and are okay, but with the current "Code Blue" temperatures, those local ponds look a lot sturdier than they actually are.
How to Stay Updated
If you want to keep a pulse on Burlington County NJ news, you should bookmark the official County "News Flash" page. It’s where they post the immediate alerts on everything from bridge closures to rabid animal warnings. Also, the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) has a "Future Forward" breakfast coming up on January 22 at YMCA of the Pines in Medford. It’s a good spot to hear what local business owners are worried—or excited—about for the rest of the year.
Stay safe out there on the 206, and maybe take a walk on the Rancocas Creek Greenway if the wind dies down.
Actionable Next Steps for Residents:
- Check the Burlington County Health Department website for the new mobile medical unit schedule to get updated flu or COVID shots.
- Review your local municipality's "Code Blue" warming center locations if you or someone you know needs shelter during the current cold snap.
- If you are a horse owner, contact the NJ Department of Agriculture at 609-673-6113 if you notice any hind-end weakness or respiratory issues in your animals.
- Visit the Burlington County Fairgrounds on the next scheduled market day to support the small businesses that just won the "Best in the Northeast" title.