Guy Delivers First State of the County Address

Jersey City, NJ — County Executive Craig Guy delivered his first State of the County address, reflecting on his administration’s work over the past year and outlining priorities for the future.

“We will need to work together now more than ever to ensure we protect and serve our community,” Guy said. “We owe Hudson County residents nothing less.”

Guy said affordable housing remains a top priority, announcing that the county has identified five sites for development. He also promoted the Hudson County Teachers Village initiative, which he described as a plan to provide educators with affordable housing near their schools. “This initiative will allow for educators to live near to schools, giving them the opportunity to live in the community that they serve,” he said.

His administration has distributed $41 million in rental assistance to over 4,000 families. He also said Hudson County leads the state in its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Food insecurity was another key point. Guy said the county provided SNAP benefits to 55,000 residents and hosted over 300 food distribution events. He announced plans for permanent food pantry sites in Hoboken and Bayonne and said the county is purchasing land in Kearny to create an agricultural hub for food storage and distribution.

On public safety, Guy pointed to the launch of Hudson County’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate roadway deaths by 2034. He said curb extensions, high-friction pavement, and upgraded street lighting have already been implemented. “There is no doubt that this is ambitious, but we already have 34 action plans proposed for this year,” he said.

Addressing transit issues, he called for stronger collaboration with New Jersey Transit and PATH to improve service and funding. “The key to success for all government officials is to stop treating our transit agencies as opponents,” he said. “We will work together with them, and I commit to advocating for additional funding sources.”

His speech also covered open space and education. He said the county invested $8.5 million into its Open Space Trust Fund this year, the largest amount in the program’s history. “This funding will go toward safety upgrades, green space enhancements, and playground improvements in towns across Hudson County,” he said.

He also announced that a new Hudson County Schools of Technology Vocational School will open in Bayonne, providing training in skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and cosmetology. “This special project aligns with my mission to not only make sure the residents in Hudson County are college-ready but career-ready as well,” he said.

Guy highlighted the county’s efforts to support small businesses, stating that since 2016, the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation has approved $28 million in loans, which he said have helped retain over 800 jobs.

“”Since 2016, the EDC has approved over $28 million in loans,” said Guy. “Businesses use these loans to create and, more importantly, retain over 800 jobs throughout the county.”

His administration, he said, has focused on increasing transparency and communication with residents. A redesigned county website and a new monthly email newsletter have been launched to provide updates on government services and events.

“We launched a redesigned website…We also launched a monthly email to update residents about our government services, events, and opportunities. You can sign up to receive it right on our newly designed website.”

He also highlighted the formation of two advisory groups—the Affordable Housing Task Force and the LGBTQ+ Advisory Task Force—which he said will help shape county policies with input from residents. “These task forces will not be just talk. I will work with them to provide concrete, consensus policy recommendations for our county,” Guy emphasized.

“As your County Executive, I am working for you every single day,” Guy said, emphasizing affordability, safety, and economic opportunity. “I know we can accomplish the impossible with hard work and partnership.”