Honestly, keeping up with nj news burlington county lately feels like trying to drink from a fire hose. One minute you’re hearing about a random horse quarantine in a quiet corner of the county, and the next, you're looking at a $14 million school expansion in Westampton.
It’s a lot.
If you live here, or you're thinking about moving into the area, the "vibe" of 2026 is definitely one of transition. We’ve got a new Governor-elect, Mikie Sherrill, stepping in on January 20th, and the local ripple effects are already showing up in our town halls and tax discussions.
The State of the County in 2026
The big news recently—and it’s kind of a weird one—is the quarantine of a property after a horse tested positive for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). It happened right at the start of January. An 18-year-old gelding had to be euthanized after showing some pretty scary neurological signs.
Now, before anyone panics: this doesn't affect humans or your dogs and cats. But if you’ve got llamas or alpacas, the Department of Agriculture says to keep a close watch. It’s a local reminder that even in our suburban sprawl, the "Garden State" roots still run deep.
Who's Running the Show?
On January 7th, the Board of Commissioners held their annual reorganization at the Historic Olde Courthouse in Mount Holly. It wasn't just a photo op. Dr. Felicia Hopson was named Director for her sixth year, which is a modern record.
She’s basically the face of the county government right now. Alongside her, Allison Eckel and Randy Brolo were sworn in. What does this mean for your wallet? They’re leaning hard into the "lowest county taxes in NJ" narrative. Whether that stays true with the current inflation is the $64,000 question, but for now, they’re holding the line.
Real Estate: To Sell or to Sit?
The housing market around here is... stubborn. That's the best word for it.
If you’re looking at nj news burlington county for real estate updates, you’ve probably noticed that inventory is still incredibly tight. Most people are "locked in" to those 3% mortgage rates from a few years ago and they aren't moving unless they absolutely have to.
- Home Values: They aren't dropping. Appreciation has slowed down to a more "normal" 4-6% range, but you aren't going to see a 2008-style crash here.
- The Sweet Spot: Mid-price range homes are the hardest to find. If you list a decent house in Medford or Marlton for a fair price, it’s still going within 30 days.
- Buyer Leverage: You actually have some now! Unlike the 2021 bidding wars, buyers in early 2026 are actually getting inspections and even asking for credits. Imagine that.
Infrastructure and "The Mall" Situation
If you’ve driven through Pemberton lately, you’ve seen the Browns Mills Shopping Center looking a bit sad. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth on the redevelopment.
Basically, the "Pemberton Commons" project hit a snag when Grocery Outlet backed out of their expansion plans. Mayor Jack Tompkins is still pushing ahead, though. He’s looking at other operators—even reaching out to Tractor Supply—to fill the gap. The plan still includes a Super Wawa and a Taco Bell, because apparently, you can't have a town in New Jersey without those two.
Roads and Bridges (The Not-So-Fun Stuff)
Keep an eye on the Rancocas Creek bridge situation. The permanent closure of County Bridge 03C4004 has been a massive headache for folks traveling between Willingboro and Mount Laurel. The DOT is looking at a total replacement, but these things move at the speed of molasses.
🔗 Read more: Why the Weather Forecast for Monday is Stressing Out Your Commute
Community Health and Safety Upgrades
The county just wrapped up a $3 million renovation of the Health Department building in Westampton. It’s a big deal because they’re launching a new mobile medical unit. Instead of you driving to them for immunizations or screenings, they’re literally bringing the clinic to your neighborhood.
Also, the "Hope One" vehicle—that purple van you might see around—is entering its third year. They’ve added a "Hope One for Youth" unit specifically focused on mental health and substance use prevention for kids. It’s one of those programs that actually seems to be making a dent in the local opioid crisis.
What’s Coming Next for Residents?
We’re heading into the 250th anniversary of the country (the Sestercentennial, if you want to be fancy). Burlington County is leaning into its "oldest county in America" status.
They just awarded about $78,000 in grants to 17 different local history groups. You’re going to see a lot of "Living History" events in Mount Holly and Burlington City over the next year. If you like guys in tri-corner hats firing muskets, 2026 is going to be your year.
Practical Steps for Burlington County Residents:
- Check Your Library Card: The Burlington County Library System just signed a deal where you can use your card in Camden, Atlantic, and Gloucester counties too. It’s a huge win for commuters.
- Tree Recycling: If you still have your Christmas tree sitting in the backyard (no judgment), the County Fairgrounds and the Resource Recovery Complex are offering free recycling through late January.
- Property Taxes: Keep an eye on your local municipal meetings this month. While the county portion of your tax bill might be stable, individual towns are grappling with school funding cuts that could hit your local rate hard.
- Stay Informed: Follow the "News Flash" section on the official co.burlington.nj.us site. It’s surprisingly updated and lacks the fluff you get on social media.
The bottom line is that Burlington County is trying to balance being a sleepy, historic suburb with the demands of a modern, expensive state. It’s a weird mix of horse quarantines and high-tech health vans, but that's just South Jersey for you.
Make sure to sign up for the county's emergency alert system (Swift911) if you haven't already. With the unpredictable winter weather we've been having, it’s the fastest way to know if your local roads are actually salted or if the "State of Emergency" is just a suggestion.
Keep an eye on the upcoming school board meetings in your specific district—many are discussing new cellphone bans in classrooms following the Governor's recent "bell-to-bell" recommendations. Your kid might not be happy, but it’s definitely the next big trend hitting our local schools this spring.