Guy touts Hudson County resiliency during tough times in SOTC Address

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy delivered his third State of the County Address this afternoon, touting the county’s resiliency during tough times.

By Dan Israel/Hudson County View

Guy delivered his roughly 20-minute speech in front of a slew of local, county, and state elected officials at the county building, 567 Pavonia Ave., who he applauded for their collaboration.

After thanking county workers for their efforts during recent snowstorms, he launched into the meat and potatoes of his speech.

“During my first two years as county executive, we have made great efforts to provide services, create opportunities, and improve the quality of life for each Hudson County resident. No question, there’s a lot more to do,” he began.

“Far too many residents are hurting, whether it’s struggling to pay rent, purchasing groceries, or living in fear as the federal administration tramples our rights as Americans. Let’s be honest, times are tough. But that does not mean we should back down.”

He further stated that the county is listening to residents and doing what they can to improve the daily lives of the more than 700,000 residents in Hudson County, with affordability being a top priority.

“I hear a lot from the folks about the serious need for affordable housing,” Guy noted.

Describing accomplishments regarding affordability, Guy highlighted $52.5 million that county helped secure working with the Hudson County Improvement Authority for the Bayfront affordable housing project in Jersey City.

The county executive also pointed out he established the Affordable Housing Task Force almost immediately once in office to address the issue.

The task force has since incepted a plan to develop affordable housing on county land at four locations, working with the state partners in the 32 Legislative District to get the job done.

Guy also said he is also working with labor partners, the City of Jersey City, and other stakeholders to bring forward a new redevelopment plan encompassing nearly 13 acres of surface parking lots in County Plaza, where they will be able to construct at least 200 new homes “that can be called affordable.”

“My administration has focused on food security since the start,” the county’s chief elected official said.

On the topic of food insecurity, Guy touted a $1.8 million federal grant to bring a client choice pantry to the Hoboken Community Center to serve the city and North Hudson, partnering with then-mayor, now-Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (LD-32) to make it happen.

He was also happy that the county will break ground this year on a “much-needed” food pantry in Bayonne, addressing the food desert there with “good, wholesome food.”

Amid federal cuts to SNAP benefits to up to 15,000 Hudson County residents, Guy was proud that he brought together all 12 municipalities for a countywide response to the crisis including food distribution, funding for non-profits, and food deliveries to those in need.

He thanked the county directors involved for helping families put food on the table during that time.

“Affordability is important, but every person needs a consistent income from a good career, which is why I’ve prioritized creating educational and career opportunities for Hudson County residents,” Guy said.

On education, Guy praised the opening of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Bayonne Academy at Bayonne High School, which hosts 400 students offering career-focused programs in construction, criminal justice, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, among other fields.

He also recognized the Hudson County Building and Trades labor union for helping by developing the curriculum for the school which opened last October.

“No matter how many good opportunities we provide our students, our county must also focus on job opportunities and small business support,” Guy stated.

Guy continued that the Hudson County Workforce Development Board secured $10 million for localized training and employment services for adults, dislocated workers, youth, and welfare recipients.

“Our small business community is the heartbeat of our economy. From day one, my administration, we have worked with the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation to develop a strategy for business attraction, retention, and growth,” he explained.

Guy said that proof of that support lay in the presence of the owners of Double Batch Bakery in Bayonne- Rachel and Angel Hidalgo, beneficiaries of the county’s efforts to nurture local business.

Later, Guy, also the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) chair, didn’t shy away from taking shots at President Donald Trump (R) and his administration.

“From sending ICE agents into our county to canceling funding for the Hudson County Gateway Project, the Trump administration’s actions are not acceptable, and I’m here to tell you that Hudson is fighting back,” he exclaimed.

“It’s not okay for the Trump administration to threaten Hudson County’s economy, hurt our hard-working families, kill good-paying union jobs, deny vital infrastructure upgrades to our region. Nor is it okay for them to sow fear and create discord in our community with aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. I will always do what I can do within my government power to ensure our communities are protected.”

On meddling from the Trump administration regarding ICE, Guy was proud to have signed an executive order banning federal immigration authorities from county-owned properties.

Another executive order, in conjunction with the board of commissioners, established the Safe Communities Committee and the Immigrant Community Safety Committee.

At this time, Guy touted the partnerships between the county, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, advocates, and other key stakeholders.

He emphasized that that Hudson County is fighting back with help of U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez (D-8) and LaMonica McIver (D-10).

For example, Guy pointed out how funding for the Hudson Tunnels portion of the larger Gateway Project was restored per a federal judge’s order after New Jersey and New York officials fought the Trump administration’s monetary freeze over political reasons.

“We launched our Vision Zero Action Plan in early 2025, and we’ve been working to improve our safety and infrastructure,” he added.

When it comes to the County’s Vision Zero Action Plan, Guy stated that highlights of the implementation included upgrades to County Road 508 connecting West Hudson and Jersey City, the River Road bike lane in North Hudson, and the continued construction of a bike lane on the 14th Street Viaduct in Hoboken.

In addition, he underscored how the county has funded an $150k feasibility study for a Bus Rapid Transit system on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

Guy concluded by touting the county parks and the success of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Fund over the years.

Looking ahead, he underscored the funds allotted for the Braddock Park nature trail in North Bergen, designated the Hudson River Greenway in Stephen Gregg Park in Bayonne, and broke ground on a new pavillion in Mercer Park in Jersey City.

“I see a lot of potential. But I’m going to be honest with you, times are tough. We will see tougher times ahead, but Hudson County is strong … Hudson County’s greatest strength has always been and will always be its people, its remarkable diversity of our communities,” he declared.

“From every culture, language, and tradition, we are woven together into something stronger than any one of us alone. This diversity is not something we simply acknowledge, it’s what the community deserves.”