Councilman Yousef J. Saleh Announces Re-election Campaign for Jersey City Ward D Council Seat

Jersey City, NJ – November 13, 2024 – Today, Councilman Yousef J. Saleh formally announced his candidacy for re-election to the Jersey City Ward D Council seat, reflecting on his accomplishments and outlining his vision for continuing to make Jersey City a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive community for all.

“As a proud loyal son of Jersey City, born and raised in the Heights to immigrant parents, serving Ward D has been an incredible honor, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said Councilman Saleh. “When I stepped in during the pandemic to serve my community following the untimely and unfortunate passing of the late Councilman Michael Yun, we worked tirelessly on issues ranging from tenant rights to revitalizing our parks and streets. Together, we’ve made Ward D and Jersey City a better place to live, work, and raise a family. But the work isn’t finished—there’s still so much more we can do, and I look forward to continuing our progress as we move Ward D and Jersey City forward.”

Councilman Saleh’s re-election campaign is focused on his proven track record in key areas such as affordable housing, environmental protections, business support, infrastructure, community services, and exceptional constituent service. Some of his proudest accomplishments include:

Tenant Protection & Affordable Housing

• Right to Counsel Legislation: Along with my council colleagues, I helped introduce groundbreaking legislation ensuring that tenants facing eviction have access to legal counsel, protecting them from unfair displacement by slumlords.
• Inclusionary Zoning: We established inclusionary zoning policies that mandate affordable housing in new developments, along with an affordable housing overlay to address the city’s growing need for affordable housing options.

Workforce Equity & Economic Justice

• Pay Transparency: I proposed pay transparency legislation and Jersey City became the first city in New Jersey to implement pay transparency, ensuring employees have access to salary ranges to promote pay equity. This policy was so successful that the state of New Jersey has since adopted it statewide.

Environmental Protection & Green Spaces

• Plastic Deposit Refund: We are working with state legislators to advocate for a plastic deposit refund program to incentivize recycling, similar to policies in neighboring states.
• Native Plant Garden Support: After the destruction of local native plant gardens, I worked with the State Department of Environmental Protection and community stakeholders to restore and replant them.
• Native Plant Protection Ordinance: We passed a new ordinance protecting native plant gardens across the city, including those at Riverview Park and the nearby Hope Garden. Those found guilty of destroying protected gardens will now face fines of up to $2,000.

Parks & Public Space Improvements

• Riverview Park Renovation: During the pandemic, I spearheaded a $2.1 million project to repair Riverview Park, add a turf field next to the basketball court, and secured an additional $1.8 million to fix the retaining wall, making it safer and more accessible.
• Leonard Gordon Park Phase 1 Renovation: We completed a $2 million renovation of Leonard Gordon Park, which included new lighting, pathways, and stamped concrete, creating a more welcoming public space similar to Hamilton Park.

Infrastructure Investments

• Central Avenue Streetscape Overhaul: As part of Councilman Yun’s legacy I worked to oversee the complete redesign of Central Avenue, a $4.5 million project that earned a National Engineering Award—often referred to as the “Oscars” of engineering—for excellence in urban design.
• Cole’s Street Project: I worked alongside Mayor Fulop and Councilman Solomon to secure $2 million to improve Cole’s Street with new sewer and stormwater infrastructure, trash cans, bike lanes, enhanced lighting, and outdoor public spaces for residents.
• Reservoir Renovations: I worked with Mayor Fulop and the administration to secure $12 million for improvements to the Reservoir, including $6 million for trail renovations, $4 million for the repair of structures, and $2 million for a new Reservoir Bridge.

Stormwater & Sewer System Upgrades

• Heights Sewer & Stormwater Overhaul: I spearheaded the first full-scale renovation of the sewer and stormwater systems across the Heights, improving the city’s infrastructure and reducing the risk of flooding.

Business, Taxes, & Economic Development

• Support for Central Avenue Businesses: I led efforts to help businesses on Central Avenue survive the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, resulting in the lowest vacancy rate in the district’s history.
• Summit Avenue Revitalization: We secured $8.1 million for the complete renovation of Summit Avenue, including new lighting and bus lanes to improve traffic flow and support local businesses.
• Zoning for 15-Minute City: I pushed for zoning changes to allow more storefronts on Summit Avenue as part of the city’s “15-Minute City” vision, making neighborhoods more walkable and accessible.
• Fiscal Responsibility: I have been a vocal advocate for tax stability, collaborating with the Board of Education and state legislators to keep taxes stable. I am opposed to a local income tax and believe the State of New Jersey should help us enforce compliance with the existing payroll tax.

Traffic Safety & Public Health

• Speed & Traffic Safety Measures: My office has advocated for the installation of  over 150 speed bumps, dozens of new stop signs, and advocated for flashing beacons throughout Ward D to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic-related accidents.
• Vape Shop Regulation: I successfully advocated for legislation to limit the number of vape shops in Jersey City and mandate that they be properly licensed, protecting public health, particularly the health of youth.
• Low-Flying Helicopters: I have fought against and will continue fighting against low-flying helicopters in the Heights and will keep advocating for a noise pollution tax, as well as greater local regulation of EVTOL aircraft ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• No Turn on Red Law: I advocated to implement a “No Turn on Red” law in the Heights, the first of its kind in Jersey City, aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing accidents at key intersections.
• Bike Lanes: I am in favor of installing bike lanes wherever practicable and worked with engineers to conduct the first-ever pilot for bike lanes on Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Avenue, in accordance with the 2018 Bike Lane Master Plan.

Community Services & Engagement

• New Senior Center: We opened a state-of-the-art Senior Center in Ward D, providing critical resources and recreational activities for Jersey City’s senior population.
• New Hispanic Library in the Heights: We opened a new library specifically serving the Hispanic community, offering educational resources, cultural programming, and a space for community engagement.
• Ward D Satellite Office: I launched a new Ward D satellite office in 2024, providing constituents with direct access to services. The office also offers internships to local youth, helping to foster the next generation of public servants.
• Recreation Center: We are in the planning phases of the first-ever recreational center for the children of Ward D, providing them with a safe and fulfilling place to learn, play, and grow.

Safety and Security

• More Police Units and Park Walks: I have advocated for an increase in police presence in the Heights, securing 6 police units, up from 4 when we began. I will continue to advocate for 8 units in Ward D and for more “park and walks” in our local parks and high-traffic corridors like Summit Plaza and Central Avenue.
• New East District and North District Police Precincts: We are working to build new state-of-the-art police precincts in Ward D and Ward E, with a community room planned for the new North District.
• Cameras: I will continue to advocate for the installation of more security cameras in key areas, including Leonard Gordon Park, Pershing Field, and the Reservoir.
• Community Policing and Mental Health Resources: I support a community-centered approach to policing through engagement and collaboration with organizations like Jersey Together. We must address needs compassionately and proactively, including expanding the “Arrive Together” program.

Councilman Saleh’s Vision for the Future

Councilman Saleh’s leadership is grounded in his commitment to equity, sustainability, and community-centered development. With continued investments in public infrastructure, green spaces, and affordable housing, Saleh aims to keep Jersey City on a path toward greater opportunity for all.

“We’ve accomplished so much together, but there’s still much work to be done,” said Saleh. “I’m running for re-election to continue building a city that works for everyone—where our neighborhoods are safer, our economy is stronger, and everyone has a fair shot at success.”

About Councilman Yousef J. Saleh

Councilman Yousef J. Saleh is a dedicated public servant and the current Councilman for Ward D in Jersey City. During his time in office, Saleh has worked tirelessly to improve the city’s infrastructure, support local businesses, protect tenants, and create opportunities for all residents. He is running for re-election to continue his work of making Jersey City a better place for everyone.