It’s always an exciting time to be in Monmouth County, especially as we look ahead to the spring and summer months. Here are a few highlights from the County departments I have the privilege of working with:
The excitement surrounding our Nation’s 250th birthday is building and many of our departments have great plans in place to celebrate. The Monmouth County Library System has released an extensive program guide featuring America250 related events taking place throughout the year at branch locations across the County.
The Monmouth County Historical Commission’s annual Weekend in Old Monmouth will be occurring this year with a special focus on our nation’s birthday. Make sure to mark your calendars for May 2 and May 3 to visit more than 50 historic sites across Monmouth County free of charge. For more information about programs and events marking this historic birthday, visit MonmouthNJ250.org or download the MonmouthNJ250 app!
As the growing season is (slowly but surely) approaching, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension team here in Monmouth County is again ready to support home gardeners and professional growers alike. In 2025 alone, more than 250 Master Gardeners volunteered more than 23,000 hours: assisting home gardeners, hosting community outreach events, and growing more than 44,000 pounds of food that was donated to food distribution sites throughout Monmouth County. They have amazing programs lined up for 2026. Learn more at monmouth.njaes.rutgers.edu.
The Monmouth County Division of Consumer Affairs is another great resource for our residents, often serving as a mediator between consumers and businesses when disputes arise. In 2025, they helped recover more than $500,000 for consumers. They also host outreach events throughout the year, including a presentation on preventing identity theft and avoiding scams.
The Monmouth County Division of Planning is constantly working to ensure that as our County grows, it does so in a thoughtful, sustainable way that meets the needs of our residents. Safe Streets Monmouth is a federally funded program with the goal of improving roadway safety. Through this initiative, Monmouth County conducted a survey to gather input and concerns from our residents related to traffic safety, which, along with data analysis, will help guide future improvements to streets, signage, and other safety initiatives on County roadways.
Through the Board of Elections and the Superintendent of Elections, our elections officials work tirelessly here in Monmouth County to ensure voting is safe and secure. Monmouth County has ranked first in New Jersey for early voting turnout for the fifth consecutive year. This year, Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, with Early In-Person and Vote by Mail options available. As a result of a new state law, 17-year-olds who will turn 18 before the November General Election are eligible to vote in the June Primary Election.
The Monmouth County Historical Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Preservation Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, and municipalities that have contributed to preserving historic structures throughout Monmouth County. The nomination deadline is April 17.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve our residents as a member of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
For more 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.
