Garden State Times

As the year comes to a close, the Board of Commissioners of Camden County has reflected on the progress made in 2024. Key areas such as public safety, infrastructure, healthcare, social services, and business development have seen significant advancements.

In public safety, the Camden County Police Department reported a substantial reduction in crime rates. Violent crime decreased by nearly 20%, while overall crime dropped by 8% compared to last year. Shootings and homicides fell by more than 35%, reaching some of the lowest numbers recorded in Camden City. The Woodlynne Borough Police Department was integrated into the county system, enhancing police services for residents with a community policing strategy.

Healthcare initiatives included a new back-to-school vaccine program offering free clinics for uninsured or partially insured children. Vaccines provided included DTap, polio, MMR, meningococcal, and Tdap. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in overdose deaths—down 43% from the previous year—thanks to efforts by the county health department and the Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force.

Infrastructure projects were prominent throughout the year. The Kings Highway improvement project began in September with a $10.7 million investment covering multiple municipalities. Another project involved a $1.2 million intersection improvement in Voorhees Township aimed at easing traffic congestion.

Social services saw major strides with the release of a six-point plan to combat homelessness, aiming for functional zero by 2030. The Project SAVE initiative expanded its efforts to address opioid-related issues by incorporating mental health navigators and surpassing 10,000 referrals for treatment.

Business development also thrived with expansions from Holtec International and Cooper University Health Care among others. Residential construction boomed across various townships adding over $5 billion to the tax ratable base.

Greenspaces underwent transformations under Parks Alive 2025 initiative—a $100 million plan revitalizing parks and conservation areas across Camden County.

Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. expressed pride in these accomplishments: "Camden County is continually moving in an upward trajectory... As we look back on 2024, we feel an immense sense of pride for all that we have been able to accomplish."