2025 in Review Newsletter

Glory to God, and Happy New Year!

As we begin a new year, I am honored and grateful to enter my third year serving as one of your Sussex County Commissioners. This year also began with the privilege of being sworn in as Deputy Director for 2026. I thank God for this opportunity and for the support of my fellow commissioners who voted to place their confidence in me. I extend my congratulations to Commissioner Jill Space on being sworn in and elected Director, and to Sheriff Mike Strada and Commissioner Dave Silverthorne on their swearing-in. I am especially thankful to State Senator Parker Space for administering my oath. As I look back on the past year, I am proud of the meaningful progress we achieved across multiple areas of county government, particularly in agriculture, education, and senior services.

A Historic Year for Farmland Preservation

In 2025, Sussex County made historic strides in farmland preservation. One of my top priorities was authorizing a public referendum to extend the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund for an additional ten years. Through extensive outreach and collaboration, we successfully placed this measure on the November 4, 2025 general election ballot.

The results were decisive. Voters approved the referendum with an extraordinary 81% approval, sending a clear mandate to continue investing in farmland preservation. This overwhelming show of support has already produced tangible results, generating two new farmland preservation applications this year and bringing the county’s total active applications to four, achieving a key goal I set in 2024.

Protecting our farmland is about more than land alone; it is about preserving our agricultural heritage, supporting local farmers, and ensuring Sussex County remains a place where agriculture can thrive for generations to come.

Growing Community Through the Sussex County Seed Library

Another exciting initiative in 2025 was the launch of the Sussex County Seed Library through the Division of Senior Services, in partnership with Rutgers Master Gardeners. From the outset, this program was designed as a four-phase initiative, and I am proud that all four phases were successfully completed in its inaugural year.

Beyond gardening, the Seed Library fostered community and connection, bringing seniors together through shared learning and hands-on experiences. It empowered participants with practical knowledge about sustainability, food production, and seed stewardship, skills that promote self-reliance and environmental responsibility.

The enthusiasm from participants and Senior Services staff has been incredibly encouraging, and as the program enters its second year, we are already planning thoughtful improvements for 2026 to further strengthen its educational and community-building impact.

Investing in Education and Workforce Development

Education remained a cornerstone of my mission in 2025. This commitment was fulfilled through the successful partnership between Check Point Software and Sussex County Community College. Through Check Point’s SecureAcademy program, the college now offers a hands-on cybersecurity curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in a high-demand field.

This partnership creates clear pathways to employment for students while positioning Sussex County Community College as a leader in workforce-driven education, ensuring our residents are prepared to compete and succeed in an evolving economy.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, I am eager to build on this momentum. I look forward to completing our updated Farmland Preservation Plan, launching a revitalized four-season agriculture program, continuing to strengthen services for our seniors, and supporting high-quality education at our county institutions.

Together, we will continue meeting challenges head-on, embracing new opportunities, and working to ensure Sussex County remains a place of growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all who call it home.

I am grateful to walk alongside each of you and honored to serve you. May God bless Sussex County and each of you in the year ahead.

Sincerely,
Jack DeGroot