From Politics to the Pocketbook, the Changes 2026 Will Bring
Princeton Perspectives, Issue #71, January 15, 2026
Editor’s Note
Happy New Year! With two weeks of 2026 under our belts, it is becoming more realistic that 2025 is over. As we look ahead, there is so much to be prepared for, and we’re sharing it with you in this month’s issue of Princeton Perspectives, From Politics to the Pocketbook, the Changes 2026 will Bring.
What change are you looking forward to for 2026? We asked members of our local community, and they share their excitement in this months Pulse of Princeton. You can watch the video now!
After two terms with Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey’s leadership will change hands on January 20 when Mikie Sherrill is inaugurated. We take a look back and forward in the article NJ is Getting a New Governor. What May be Similar and What Different?
In This Issue
- Pulse of Princeton – What change are you looking forward to for 2026?
- NJ is Getting a New Governor. What May be Similar and What Different?
- What Could $0.43 Offer You?…NJ Minimum Wage Just Went Up!
- Trenton-Mercer Airport – Will This Year’s Changes Open Up Opportunities?
- Will Her Base Hold Strong as Bonnie Watson Coleman Leaves Congress?
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The Pulse of Princeton: What change are you looking forward to for 2026?
- NJ is Getting a New Governor. What May be Similar and What Different? - On January 20th, New Jersey will swear in Mikie Sherrill, its 57th governor. Not since 1961 has a governor from one party succeeded another of the same party in this office. Democratic… Read more...
- What Could $0.43 Offer You?…NJ Minimum Wage Just Went Up! - Every worker deserves a wage that keeps pace with the cost of living, a paycheck that reflects both their labor and their dignity. New Jersey took another step toward that promise on… Read more...
- Trenton-Mercer Airport – Will This Year’s Changes Open Up Opportunities? - Living in Mercer County is convenient, with options to fly anywhere in the world within an hour’s drive to Newark or Philadelphia. However, with increased TSA security lines, massive airport delays, parking… Read more...
- Will Her Base Hold Strong as Bonnie Watson Coleman Leaves Congress? - As a young legislative staffer in Trenton in the 90s, we knew which legislators would and would not give you the time of day. Bonnie Watson Coleman was in a class of… Read more...
Perspectives Revisited
2026 is the 250th anniversary of American Independence. A year ago, we shared that Washington’s Crossing the Delaware and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton will bring in thousands of visitors to our area in the article 2025 New Jersey Economic Outlook (January 2025). To better understand the role our region played in the American Revolution and to provide a breadth of information throughout the annual celebration, Mercer County has now launched the website Mercer 250. A resource for locals and visitors, the site features an interactive map of historical sites, a comprehensive calendar of events and includes a Passport to 250 challenge to participants truly experience the historical contributions that happened here.
If you enjoy the outdoors and the great landscapes of Mercer County, you will be excited to learn the county has launched a new Trail Grant Program to help municipalities and nonprofits create more offerings. In September, we highlighted the recent Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail expansion near The Lawrenceville School in the article Princeton Area Schools Share What’s New for the Upcoming Year. There is now an opportunity to submit applications through September 1 for projects on public land or private/nonprofit land with permanent public access. The grants match 50% of project costs (with funding caps) to go towards new trail construction, rehabilitation of existing trails, feasibility studies and permitting work. The program’s goal is to provide a trail network that better connects Mercer County communities.