Today, community activist Veronica Akaezuwa announced her campaign for the Jersey City Council’s Ward D district, running on James Solomon’s slate. Akaezuwa is currently the Director of Policy & Advocacy for New Jersey Appleseed, a public interest law center focused on rooting out corruption and reforming government so that it works better for people and not special interests.

Veronica Akaezuwa said: “Together, we can build a Jersey City where growth and affordability are a reality, not a dream. We need development that works for us, by prioritizing long-term housing affordability and availability for everyone. Better public schools are essential so that families raising their kids here know they are getting the best possible education. We must also improve quality of life in the Heights with more reliable public services like trash cleanup, and by addressing critical gaps in transportation and utility systems. We can create a community that thrives on affordable living, equitable education, and access to quality public services. I am glad to join James Solomon’s slate as we work to provide better opportunities for those in the Heights and Jersey City, enabling them to prosper and allowing families to grow and succeed.”

James Solomon said: “I am proud to support Veronica Akaezuwa for the Jersey City Council and honored that she will join our slate. Her dedication to making affordable living a priority and her commitment to improving our schools and lowering the cost of living will help Jersey City grow and prosper. Together, we can ensure there is more affordable housing, better schools and better trash cleanup. Veronica’s vision for Ward D promises a brighter future for residents and families in the Heights and together we will bring real change to Jersey City.”

Veronica Akaezuwa is a resident of Jersey City Heights with extensive experience in local and state government, as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. Over her career, Akaezuwa has become known for her expertise in policy development, government innovation, and implementing data-driven solutions. At NJ Appleseed, she serves as the Policy and Advocacy Director, leading statewide efforts through Voter Choice NJ (VCNJ) to reform New Jersey’s voting system. Her strategic leadership, along with the efforts of VCNJ, community activists, and partner organizations, has secured backing from numerous town councils for a more fair and inclusive electoral process.

Akaezuwa’s previous role as Director at the NJ State Office of Innovation saw her founding the Data + Policy Team, where she enhanced public access to government data and developed impactful community engagement tools. Her efforts in Jersey City include organizing a grassroots campaign that resulted in the adoption of ranked-choice voting. She also contributed to revitalizing a schoolyard into a vibrant learning space while interning with the City’s Office of Innovation. Her professional journey includes significant roles in the private sector at NBCUniversal and Turner Broadcasting, where she excelled in research and analytics. Akaezuwa’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree from Columbia University.