As we approach the final weeks of summer, I would like to share some important updates from the Monmouth County departments with which I have the privilege of serving as Liaison.
The Monmouth County Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the 2025General Election. If you are interested in serving your community, either on Election Day or at one of the 10 early in-person sites throughout the County, please call the Board of Elections at 732-431-7802, ext. 7150.
Applications are now open for the Monmouth County Historical Commission (MCHC) 2026 History Preservation Grant Program and History Regrant Program. The Preservation Grant, funded by Monmouth County, offers matching grants to help nonprofits and municipalities restore historic buildings. The Regrant Program supports local history organizations through project-based or general operating grants. MCHC is also excited to launch its 33rd annual Fifth Grade Essay Contest this fall, so keep an eye out for more information!
Nominations for the Monmouth County Planning Board Merit Awards are due Sept. 18. The Merit Awards recognize and honor plans, projects, programs and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of civic planning and planning outcomes in Monmouth County. Our Division of Planning has also been working hard and coordinating with our municipalities and the State of New Jersey as part of the Cross-Acceptance process, which is how the State updates its development and land use plans. With Monmouth County’s population growing and major projects like Netflix moving to the area, it is more important than ever to ensure our planning meets the needs and priorities of our communities.
It was all hands on deck for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office at the 50th annual Monmouth County Fair. Youth 4-H members showcased their achievements, Rutgers Master Gardeners were available to answer home gardening questions, and Family and Community Health Sciences were on hand at the Agriculture Tent to give fair-goers information about healthy living.
Our Monmouth County Library System (MCLS) is actively planning educational and interactive programming to celebrate America’s upcoming semi quincentennial in 2026. MCLS is proud to be one of only 21 public libraries selected to receive a New Jersey State Library REV250 Grant, which supports public library celebrations of America’s 250th Anniversary. The grant is titled “From Allentown to Manalapan to Shrewsbury, every corner of the county fought for independence,” which sums up Monmouth County’s rich Revolutionary War history.
One of the best parts of serving as a County Commissioner is having the privilege of attending different events throughout the County, including a naturalization ceremony, where I witnessed new Americans from 15 different countries of origin become fellow U.S. Citizens; the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Netflix Studios on Fort Monmouth, which will bring a tremendous amount of new jobs and economic growth to our area; and Shrewsbury’s annual Declaration of Independence reading at the historic Allen House on July 4, which was especially exciting this year as we start counting down to our Nation’s 250th Birthday!
For additional updates, you can find me on Instagram @Erik_AndersonNJ, Facebook @Monmouth County Commissioner Erik Anderson, and on X @ErikAndersonNJ. For more information, you can visit Monmouth County’s website, visitmonmouth.com.
