The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has awarded the County of Union $1,500,000 in funding from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program for the Rahway Valley Rails-to-Trails Project.
The Rahway Valley Rails-to-Trails Project will create safe multi-use trails from the abandoned Rahway Valley Railroad section that traverses the Borough of Kenilworth and the Borough of Roselle Park. These new trails, designed for pedestrians and bicyclists, will connect communities, businesses, shopping and recreational opportunities.
“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we are grateful to the NJDOT for their commitment to creating vibrant and sustainable transportation alternatives that enrich our communities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Rahway Valley Rails-to-Trails Project paves the way for a brighter future, where safe and accessible multi-use trails bring people together, boost local businesses, create jobs and unlock the beauty of Union County.”
The completion of this project will significantly improve modes of transportation in the County, specifically as it relates to cyclists and pedestrian walkways. The County has seen a growing number of trail enthusiasts and the conversion of the Rahway Valley Railroad into an active greenway trail will give residents more opportunities to exercise in and explore their community.
Administered by NJDOT in collaboration with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO), the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program focuses on providing federal funds for community-based “non-traditional” surface transportation projects. The program aims to enhance the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation’s intermodal system.
The County of Union’s selection for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program funding highlights NJDOT’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and creating vibrant, accessible communities.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Department of Human Services and the Office for Persons with Disabilities are pleased invite our Union County residents for their “Night Out with the New York Red Bulls” event in honor of the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Union County is thrilled to join hands and celebrate the progress we have made in creating an inclusive society and we invite all of our residents to join us for an unforgettable experience as we cheer on the New York Red Bulls and honor the strong spirit of individuals with disabilities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Let us come together, celebrate, and inspire each other as we continue on the path towards greater accessibility and equality for all.”
The event is Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Tickets for the Red Bulls game are $35 and will include a $10 food voucher to use at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
Union County regularly hosts inclusive programs for children and adults with autism, through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.
July 26, 2023, marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a civil rights law that affirms and protects the rights of people with disabilities to participate in public life.
To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.
Union County’s AAA bond rating was reaffirmed by Moody’s Investor Services last week. The County maintains its strong financial position looking forward through 2023 and beyond. A rating of Aaa is the highest a county government can achieve.
“The Aaa rating means a lower cost of borrowing, a strong business community and a hardworking county management team,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The work of the County Manager, Finance Department and Board of County Commissioners, who remain committed to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars, is a true testament of this reaffirmed assessment. I am incredibly proud of the County’s ability to maintain these high financial ratings year after year.”
In its report, Moody’s noted that the Aaa rating reflects the county’s its strong economic and financial performance, sizeable and growing reserve position supported by fixed administrative policies and regulations, large and diverse tax base with stable employer presence and its proximity to New York City.
According to Moody’s, “Union County’s strong governance is reflected in a score of G-1. The county has built a deep bench of civil servants and outside professionals to implement its policy objectives. This, plus a combination of a strong state-wide institutional framework and highly conservative budgeting, has allowed the county not only to strengthen its finances but to do so while providing various forms of assistance to its local governments.”
Some of Union County’s notable accomplishments from 2022 were:
A zero percent increase in Union County’s 2023 Budget for the 4th year in a row.
Union County’s healthy surplus allowed them to fund and open up the first County-run certified lab in conjunction with Kean University for diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic.
Tens of thousands of households within Union County have benefitted from their food distribution programs over the past two and a half years with over 18 million meals provided.
In an environment where the average State Health Benefits increase for CY2023 is 21.6%, the County of Union was able enter into shared service agreements with Union College and the Vocational Technical High School for health benefits coverage under the County’s self-insurance plan as a cost-saving measure for both public education institutions.
Union County is continuing to realize the savings from the shared services agreements with Essex County wherein we augmented service delivery for Juvenile Detention and Adult Corrections in 2019 and 2021.
Understanding the need for long-term financial planning, the Union County Board of County Commissioners continuously streamlined County operations and reduced its pensionable obligations without sacrificing quality of service.
In a climate where state and local governments throughout New Jersey are set to pay nearly 10% more for workers enrolled in the Public Employees’ Retirement System and the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, the County of Union announced its pension bills for 2023 are set to decrease by 0.74%.
“Each year, we work extensively to ensure we operate effectively and efficiently while still maintaining all of the programs and services for our residents,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman of the County Commissioner Fiscal Committee, I am proud of our continued efforts to responsibly manage our County’s budget as we provide the many important needs of our residents, all while passing a zero percent tax increase for the fourth year in a row.”
“The county benefits from excellent transportation access including New Jersey Transit, major thoroughfares such as the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, the Port Elizabeth/Port Newark, and the Newark Liberty International Airport, which is partially located within the county. The pandemic had only a limited impact on the county’s economy. After spiking sharply, the unemployment rate has come down and as of March 2023 was 4.1%, slightly higher than the state (3.8%) and the national rates (3.6%).”
Among the benefits, maintaining an Aaa rating means the County can borrow money at the lowest available interest rates, saving tax dollars.
The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters to plan their vote for the upcoming Primary Election. Election Day is Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Voters can vote in person during Early Voting, in person on Election Day or via Mail-In Ballot. Eligible voters for the Primary Election include registered Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters.
“With less than two weeks before in-person voting starts, I encourage voters to make time to cast their vote,” states Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections.
In-Person Early Voting will take place Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, 2023. Friday and Saturday the polls are open from 10am – 8pm. On Sunday, the polls are open from 10am – 6pm. There are seven early voting sites county wide: Cranford, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle and Union Township. Any eligible voter in the county can go to any of these seven locations and cast their vote on their local ballot.
Election Day Voting will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Polls are open from 6:00am – 8:00pm. Voters are required to go to their designated polling location on Election Day to cast their vote.
Finally, voters who have received mail-in ballots are encouraged to return their ballot to the secure ballot drop box. Democratic voters, Republican Voters, and first time unaffiliated voters can obtain a mail-in ballot from the Union County Clerk’s Office until the day before Election Day at 3:00pm.
There is at least one drop box in every municipality. Ballot drop boxes are available to voters 24/7 through the close of the polls on Election Day at 8:00pm. The ballot drop boxes are picked up in accordance with state guidelines by a bipartisan team of Election Board employees with a police escort. Voters can also mail their mail-in ballot, leaving at least 7 days for it to arrive in the mail. Finally, voters can bring their ballot in-person to the Union County Board of Elections (271 No. Broad St., Elizabeth) or the Union County Clerk’s Office (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth / 300 No. Avenue East, Westfield). Voters wishing to deposit their ballot in person must present a valid New Jersey issued ID or Driver’s License.
For the complete list of Early Voting Sites, an updated list of polling locations, and the addresses of the secure ballot drop boxes, visit the Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that the annual Union County Women Mean Business Summit (UCWMB) will be held on June 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.
“The Union County Women Mean Business Summit is designed to bring together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders from various industries to share insights, network, and inspire each other,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This event will feature a number of panelists and a keynote speaker to discuss leadership, career development, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, and overcoming challenges faced by women in the business world. We encourage all women in Union County to register and we look forward to seeing you there.”
This powerful forum, is a once-a-year conference with an immersive experience that will feature a series of workshops and discussions for women of all stages in their careers. This year, the UCWMB Summit will feature Keynote Speaker Esther Pak, Corporate Counsel to the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers.
Please note, tickets will not be sold at the door. Pre-registration is now open online at ucnj.org/ucwmb. A continental breakfast and lunch is included in the registration fee. Those who register before May 31st to get a special early bird rate at $50.00 and after that date, general admission will be $55.
The event includes ample time for networking along with two breakout sessions, from which attendees can choose one topic each.
Session One (9:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.) – Choice of ONE
“Know it, Share it, Pivot into Profits”
Are you ready to tap into the goldmine of knowledge that lies within you? Introducing the transformative workshop, “Know it, Share it, Pivot into Profits,” where we’ll take you on an exhilarating journey to unlock your hidden potential and turn it into a lucrative venture. We will guide you in organizing your newfound expertise into a brilliant blueprint. Learn how to structure your knowledge in a way that captivates audiences and makes them hungry for more. We’ll show you how to craft a powerful formula that transforms your insights into a valuable resource. We will unveil the secrets of how to share your knowledge with the world and turn it into profit. We’ll equip you with the strategies, tools, and insider tips needed to build your personal brand and reach the right audience. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to know it, share it, and pivot into profits!
“Unlocking the Power of Mentorship“
This interactive session is designed to inspire and equip women to become exceptional mentors and attract meaningful mentorship opportunities. By providing the necessary tools to help extend their reach, increase their influence and elevate their decision-making and life skills. Designed to help women unlock new perspectives, shape ideas into impactful actions and take charge of navigating their journey to success. Learn from these mentor/mentee’s experiences and discover how you too can unlock the power of mentorship.
Session Two (10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.) – Choice of ONE
“Fight? or FIGHT!? Unleashing Your Caveman Brain
Negotiating can be challenging. Whether you need to do it for yourself, your company or something else in your life, we all are faced with the need to negotiate from time to time. In this session we will discuss strategies for successful negotiation to achieve the best outcomes. Note this is a guided interactive session that is driven by participation
“Improv(e) Your Pitch: Master Persuasive Communication”
Calling all ambitious women leaders! Elevate your pitching skills and make a lasting impact with our workshop, “Improv(e) Your Pitch: Empowering Women in Business to Master Persuasive Communication.” In today’s competitive business landscape, effective communication and the ability to deliver a compelling pitch are essential for success. Harness the power of improvisation: tap into the principles of improvisation to boost your spontaneity, adaptability, and quick thinking. Develop the ability to respond confidently to unexpected situations and objections during your pitches. Get ready to step into the spotlight with confidence and conviction!
The 2023 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a program of the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. For more information about this event, please visit ucnj.org/ucwmb or call Jennifer Erdos of the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Pride Month 2023, with our annual Pride Month Flag Raising and Pride in the Park Celebration.
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of a County that is inclusive to all and these events, in honor of Pride Month, serve as a powerful testament to the diversity, inclusivity, and unity that define our county,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is a moment for us to stand shoulder to shoulder, embracing and honoring the LGBTQ+ community and their invaluable contributions to our society. Together, let us continue to create a community where everyone can live authentically, free from discrimination or prejudice. Happy Pride!”
Sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and organized through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, this month will kick off with the annual Union County Pride Flag Raising on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
Later in the month, Union County Pride in the Park, will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. This free, family-fun event will feature kick-ball tournaments, arts and crafts, games, a DJ & decades dance parties, food trucks, local non-profit organizations and informational tables, followed by an outdoor movie presentation of “Strange World” at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m.
Registration is required for teams looking to participate in the kickball tournaments at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce the Union County Means Business “The Future of Work,” Networking Breakfast & Panel Discussion event on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 8:30 AM at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ.
“I encourage everyone to come out and join us for an insightful discussion on the future of work, as we bring together Union County business owners, employees, and experts to share their experiences and viewpoints,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is an exciting opportunity and another way that Union County continues to work to provide our residents with information and resources to help their businesses grow and thrive.”
“The Future of Work” panel discussion is proudly hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. As part of the ongoing outreach efforts, this event presents a unique opportunity for the community to come together and engage in a stimulating conversation about the future of work.
The panelists for the event will include Union County business owners, employees, and business resource experts, who will share their perspectives on various topics related to the evolving landscape of work. The discussions will cover crucial areas such as finding quality employees, strategies to lower fringe benefit costs, and the future work environment that includes the growing trend of hybrid working and work-life balance.
This event will provide the audience with valuable insights and practical strategies that can help them navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing nature of work. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the unique experiences and expertise of the panelists through engaging discourse and interaction, empowering them to better plan for the future of work in their own professional endeavors.
Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of County Commissioners that aims to support economic growth and business development in Union County, New Jersey. Through various programs and events, Union County Means Business provides resources, information, and opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to the local economy. For more information, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.
Registration is now open at www.ucnj.org/ucmb, and attendees will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast at this thought-provoking event. Seats are limited, so securing your spot today is recommended. Stay tuned for upcoming details on the event, including the list of panelists and the full agenda.
For more information, please contact, Jeff Brooks, Union County Means Business at 908-659-7412 or you can email him at Jeffrey.brooks@ucnj.org.
Please note the address has been corrected to 1075 Morris Avenue.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the Union County Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Youth Services will participate in a Global Youth Service Day on April 28, 2023. This program is a coordinated national event where youth worldwide conduct community service projects and activities that benefit their communities.
“Here in Union County, we advocate for service and giving back, so as part of my 2023 Chairman’s Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” Global Youth Service Day falls in line perfectly with that,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “A big part of who we are is reaching out to the community, donating or providing assistance to those in need. This particular day offers an opportunity for young people to find their voice, take action, and make a positive impact in their communities.”
This year, Union County Youth will participate in the day of service category: Hunger Projects. With full support from the Mayors and officials of the participating municipalities, the Division of Children and Youth Services is partnering with several cities and high schools to organize snack collection sites where youth and their families can drop off donated items.
A collection is being taken for snacks, juice and water – all items should not have to be refrigerated. All donations will be collected and distributed to youth who attend programming in the new Union County Community Drop-In Centers (UCCDIC), which will soon be launched at four sites throughout the county, including: Roselle, Rahway, Plainfield, and Hillside. UCCDIC will offer youth, ages ten (10) to eighteen (18), positive youth development programming to engage young people in productive activities where their options may otherwise be limited.
The following municipalities are collecting donations on April 28th only:
Plainfield City Hall 515 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield Fire Department 315 Central Avenue, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield Police Department 200 E 4th St, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Rahway City Hall 1 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Division of Children & Youth Services 1143-1145 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Union County Administration Building 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Union County Colleen Frasier Building 300 North Ave E, Westfield 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, there are over 20 youth who are doing their own drives outside of their respective schools in support of the community service project.
For more information, please contact Marcela Nunez, Assistant Director, Union County Division of Children and Youth Services, at 908-558-2532 or nnunez@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.
No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.
Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
