Cape May County Board of Commissioners Director Leonard Desiderio delivers his 2026 State of the County address. (Photo courtesy of Prime Digital Marketing)
Cape May County remains "one of the best places in New Jersey to live, work and visit," the county’s top elected official said while delivering an upbeat State of the County address Thursday to a group of business leaders.
Leonard Desiderio, director of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, also used his address to tout the county’s financial strength, infrastructure improvements and strategic priorities for the year ahead.
Desiderio said the county is built on a foundation of strong fiscal management. He noted that the county’s nearly $223.3 million budget for 2026 represents a decrease of more than $943,000 from the prior year while maintaining essential services.
The budget also includes a reduction in the county tax rate for the fourth consecutive year, Desiderio said in remarks to the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and with accountability. We are proud to deliver a budget that reduces the tax rate while continuing to invest in our infrastructure, support our residents, and strengthen the services that make Cape May County one of the best places in New Jersey to live, work and visit,” said Desiderio, who also serves as mayor of Sea Isle City.
Reflecting the county’s solid financial footing, its net ratable valuation has grown to $104.7 billion, an increase of 7.8 percent over 2025.
Approximately 75 percent of the budget is funded through the tax levy, with the remaining 25 percent supported through grants and other revenues. The county has also increased its surplus by nearly $2 million, maintaining strong reserves, Desiderio said.
In the area of infrastructure and construction, the county invested $25 million in building improvements and $52 million in road, drainage, and bridge projects in 2025, he pointed out.
Additional accomplishments included securing $22 million in grant funding, authorizing $19 million in open space and recreation improvements across 84 acres, and paving 26 miles of roadway.
Those investments have enhanced quality of life for residents while supporting the county’s tourism-driven economy, Desiderio said.
Looking ahead, the county will continue investing in infrastructure and capital improvements, including a $6 million capital program and $36 million in planned road projects for 2026.
Other initiatives include expanded efforts to address homelessness, with new operational and capital funding dedicated to developing support programs in the county, Desiderio said.
Major capital projects are moving forward, including improvements at the Cape May County Park & Zoo, the planned redevelopment of County Park East, and continued expansion of the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.
These projects reflect the county’s commitment to enhancing recreation, honoring veterans, and maintaining high-quality public facilities, Desiderio said.
Public safety, health services, and human services programs also remain a priority. In 2025, the county handled more than 31,000 emergency 911 calls and 139,000 non-emergency calls, administered over 1,100 flu vaccines, and provided approximately 84,000 trips through Fare Free Transportation.
Additionally, 70,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries and more than 36,000 human services interactions provided vital support for residents in need, Desiderio said.
Tourism continues to be a key economic driver, with approximately 750,000 visitors to the Cape May County Zoo in 2025, while the county’s Public Safety Training Center graduated 260 officers from 31 agencies, Desiderio said.
Looking ahead to later in 2026, he said the county is preparing for America’s 250th anniversary through its “Land of the Free 250” grant program, which will support expanded Independence Day celebrations across Cape May County’s municipalities.
Desiderio also addressed the future of the Cape May County Airport and the county’s ongoing relationship with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA).
The county is looking to sever its airport operating lease with the DRBA. In 2024, the county told the DRBA that it did not plan to renew the contract.
As the long-term lease agreement approaches a critical juncture, the county is actively engaged in discussions with federal agencies and the DRBA to ensure that the airport remains a strong economic asset that benefits local residents and taxpayers, Desiderio said.
“The Cape May County Airport is one of our most valuable physical assets, and we have an obligation to ensure that its future development directly benefits the people of Cape May County,” he said. “We are actively engaged with the DRBA and federal partners to explore opportunities for increased economic development, enhanced aviation services, and even the potential for workforce housing that meets the needs of our community.”
Desiderio added that while negotiations are ongoing, the county is committed to pursuing a path “that maximizes the long-term value of the airport while maintaining transparency as discussions progress.”
