Spotlight On: Ronald Rios, County Commissioner Director, Middlesex County, New Jersey

April 2025 — Ronald Rios, county commissioners board director of Middlesex County, spoke with Invest: about major investments in healthcare and transportation. “We focus on spending our money wisely, investing and ensuring financial stability while creating new programs and services to meet our residents’ needs.”

What have been some of the key highlights over the last 12 months for Middlesex County?

It has been an exciting and productive year for Middlesex County. Our focus remains on fiscal responsibility—spending wisely, ensuring financial stability, and making strategic investments to enhance programs and services for our residents. Despite broader economic challenges at the state, national, and global levels, we have maintained our AAA bond rating for the 23rd consecutive year and moving into the 24th consecutive year. This distinction allows us to secure financing at the lowest possible cost, enabling us to invest in critical infrastructure and community initiatives.

In 2024, the county held a $107 million surplus, which supported different projects in infrastructure, education, and workforce development. In 2025, that surplus grew to $113 million, further strengthening our financial position and ensuring we can continue making smart, long-term investments for our residents and businesses.

One of our most transformative projects is the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan at Middlesex College. This multimillion-dollar initiative will reimagine the college’s campus into a vibrant hub for education, recreation, arts, entertainment, and community engagement. It includes the construction of a new Middlesex County Magnet School, a multipurpose community venue, and student center, which has already drawn significant interest from both state and federal partners. Through partnerships, we are also creating pathways for students to secure high-quality education and career opportunities.

Infrastructure and transportation improvements have been another major focus. The North Brunswick Train Station project, which has been in the planning stages for years, made significant progress in 2023. The design is now 30% complete and is on track to reach 60% completion in 2025. The state has entrusted us as the construction manager for the project, giving us an opportunity to ensure the project works in the direction and speed we want, despite a few restrictions in working with the state and Amtrak. Once completed, the station will reduce road congestion, improve travel safety, and serve as a catalyst for economic growth.

Additionally, we are modernizing the New Brunswick Train Station, a critical transportation hub not just for Middlesex County but also for our neighboring communities in Somerset County. With a high volume of commuters relying on this station, these upgrades will enhance accessibility, efficiency, and overall commuter experience. This will dovetail perfectly as the HELIX H-1 building reaches completion right across the train station, ensuring office workers can commute to this innovation hub conveniently.

How is Middlesex County working to enhance its appeal as a destination for new businesses?

Middlesex County is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, which is why we established the Office of Business Engagement. Our goal is to streamline the process of working with the government to start and grow a business while educating entrepreneurs about the extensive resources available at the county level. We want to attract startup businesses in three focus sectors: life sciences, food innovation, and autonomous technology. To successfully bring businesses to our community, we take a proactive approach—connecting the dots for entrepreneurs, guiding them through the process, and showcasing the many amenities that make Middlesex County an ideal place to launch and expand their ventures.

Besides life sciences, what other industries are expected to gain traction in the region?

I recently attended the ribbon-cutting for RWJBarnabas Health’s new ambulatory medical center, a significant addition to our region’s healthcare landscape. Additionally, construction is nearing completion on the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, opening its doors in May, which will bring world-class cancer care to Middlesex County. Residents in New Jersey shouldn’t have to travel to New York or Pennsylvania for top-notch cancer treatment—we’re making it accessible right here at home.  

Artificial intelligence is another key area of focus. We recognize AI’s transformative potential and are committed to fostering strong partnerships that drive economic success. Collaboration is the key to progress, and Middlesex County is taking a proactive approach to workforce development in emerging fields like AI. That’s why we’re joining an AI Advisory Committee, chaired by Senator Andrew Zwicker, which brings together leaders from across all sectors in the state. This initiative will help us navigate AI’s impact on the job market and position Middlesex County as a hub for innovation. To remain competitive, we must understand and embrace the direction AI is taking—and we’re committed to doing just that.

The FIFA World Cup will take place next year. How is the county preparing for this global event and what is it doing to promote local businesses?

Middlesex County is well-positioned to welcome visitors and support our local businesses during the World Cup. In New Brunswick, we have two big hotels and excellent mass transit options, providing easy access for travelers. Our transportation network—including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 9—ensures seamless connectivity throughout the region. 

To keep residents informed and engaged, we distribute a magazine to every household in the county, highlighting key events, business initiatives, and attractions in Middlesex County and beyond. We actively promote our diverse business community, including restaurants, hotels, and recreational activities for all ages. 

As we prepare for the World Cup, we’re leveraging a marketing campaign that has already helped showcase our government services and local businesses. This initiative will play a key role in attracting visitors, boosting economic activity, and positioning Middlesex County as a vibrant destination during this global event. 

What incentives are you implementing toward preparing the skilled workforce of the future? 

We are actively fostering partnerships with key organizations, including RWJBarnabas Health, the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, and The George J. Otlowski, Sr. Center for Mental Health. Through these collaborations, alongside our robust workforce development programs, we are creating both short-term and long-term talent pipelines to meet industry demands. For example, construction jobs are currently in high demand with multiple capital investment projects around the county, and we are working to ensure a steady, well-trained workforce to fill those critical roles through the Middlesex College and the Middlesex County Magnet Schools.

What is a key challenge facing the county and what are some of the strategies to mitigate their impacts?

One of our biggest concerns is the potential impact of federal funding cuts under the new administration in Washington. Reduced funding for key programs could present challenges. However, with the county’s strong fiscal standing and significant surplus, some of the challenges can be mitigated.

At the same time, we are focused on balancing economic growth with long-term sustainability. Our Destination 2040 strategic plan ensures that our investments not only meet current needs but also serve future generations. It’s essential that we plan ahead, not just for today but for decades to come. Preserving open space and farmland—especially in the southern part of the county—is another priority. Through our Middlesex County Open Space Recreation and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund and other preservation efforts, we are committed to maintaining these critical open spaces for both environmental and recreational purposes.

Transportation and traffic congestion remain key concerns as well. We are continuously working to improve our transportation network, including expanding our RIDE On Demand pilot program and RIDE shuttle services. This initiative will soon include more shuttle services to better address the needs of underserved communities and to enhance mobility across the county.

For more information, visit: 

https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/