My Record
Spearheaded the Bergen County Food Security Task Force and the Office of Food Security
Formed the Bergen County Food Security Task Force in 2020, which evolved into the Office of Food Security in the Bergen County Department of Human Services. Commissioner Zur continues to work every day to ensure food pantries have adequate and healthy supplies on their shelves to provide nutritious foods for our residents in need. Using software, she has constructed a No Wrong Door approach where service partners can refer clients to wrap-around services to fundamentally change the circumstances, enabling them to receive holistic care wherever they first seek help. This model has earned distinction by the National Association of Counties and has been touted as groundbreaking assistance by the New Jersey Food Security Advocate.
Established and continues to champion Project Search in Bergen County
Commissioner Zur identified Project Search as a potential game changer for young adults with unique abilities, ensuring extremely impactful employment outcomes. She looked for Bergen’s inclusion in the pilot and stewarded its launch each step of the way. Now we have had eight years of success, immersing young adults with unique abilities in internship experiences to gain portable job skills at Holy Name, Hackensack, New Bridge Medical Center, and the County of Bergen. Our efforts have earned national recognition for our employment rates. Even when the pandemic required our program to shift, Commissioner Zur ensured the success of the program by facilitating opportunities for interns at the Bergen County Administration buildings.
Formed the LGBTQ Advisory Council and created the Annual LGBTQ Youth Summit
Commissioner Zur championed the formation of the LGBTQ Advisory Committee to make sure the community’s voice was heard in the formation and implementation of policy. Bergen County became one of the first in the state to form such a committee which has led to the celebration of Pride both at a formal flag raising and with our family fun day of Pride at the Zoo, to a community read co-sponsored with BCCLS, and to the creation of the Annual LGBTQ Youth Leadership Summit. For the past five years this summit has served as a space for teens to share experiences and ideas for their GSA clubs. By building relationships with other students at schools throughout Bergen County, the LGBTQIA+ students realize that they are not alone and that they are embraced by Bergen County for their authentic selves.
Pushed forward the compilation of a comprehensive Energy Action Plan
The county is currently creating a strategic initiative to protect our environment and formulate an Energy Action Plan. From conducting building audits, analyzing our energy usage patterns, transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles, exploring carbon sequestration methods, and seeking other avenues to reduce the county's carbon footprint, the overarching goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that fosters long-term sustainability within our community and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Chaired and continues to serve on the Hospital Advisory Committee
Analyzed and charted the course for the restructuring and ultimate formation of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, ensuring exceptional care for those most at risk in our community. Bergen New Bridge not only was a critical partner during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is expanding its impact with innovative programs to ensure health equity and access to addiction and mental health treatments.
Saved Taxpayers' Money
Advocated for shared services agreements with all 70 municipalities and realigned the County Police Department as a Division of the Sheriff's Department which has saved taxpayers over $20 million dollars, and will continue to save up to $200 million dollars.
Pushed the Parks Master Plan Forward
Actively engaged in the formulation of the Parks Master Plan to ensure a strategic approach to enhance the acquisition and use of open space for enhanced recreational opportunities throughout the county.