The Issues
Jersey City is at a crossroads. As one of the fastest-growing cities in New Jersey, it has seen remarkable development over the past decade. However, this growth has not benefited all residents equally.
Rising housing costs have displaced families, crime continues to affect certain neighborhoods, and public schools face funding shortages that hinder their ability to serve students effectively.
Additionally, small businesses struggle to compete with large-scale developments that dominate the local economy.
Joyce Watterman’s campaign for Mayor of Jersey City is built on a transformative vision to address the city’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing, public safety, economic disparities, educational inequities and fiscal responsibility.
As a lifelong advocate for community empowerment and Jersey City’s first Black female City Council President, Watterman has demonstrated her ability to lead with integrity and compassion.
Her policies aim to foster inclusive growth, limit property taxes, improve education, and ensure transparency while promoting sustainable development.
A Legacy of Leadership. A Vision for Tomorrow.
Trailblazing Leadership
As the first African American woman president of Jersey City's council, Watterman has been a pioneering force since 2013. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to community service and empowerment.
Affordable Housing Advocacy
Watterman has been a strong advocate for affordable housing, pushing for inclusionary zoning ordinances despite challenges. Her pragmatic approach seeks to balance diverse interests while advancing equitable housing solutions.
Community Development Efforts
Through projects like Berry Lane Park, Watterman has shown her dedication to community development, particularly in underserved areas. These efforts reflect her commitment to equitable urban growth.
Economic Empowerment
Economic growth must be inclusive if it is to benefit all residents. Joyce Watterman will prioritize policies that support small businesses and create job opportunities for underserved communities.
Concerns
Jersey City’s economic growth has been unevenly distributed. While large-scale developments have attracted investment, many marginalized communities have been left behind.
Small businesses—particularly those owned by minorities—face barriers such as limited access to capital and competition from corporate chains.
Key statistics:
-
Minority-owned businesses make up only 20% of all businesses in Jersey City.
-
Unemployment rates remain higher in underserved neighborhoods compared to wealthier areas.
Solutions
-
Launch small business grants targeting minority-owned enterprises.
-
Create job training programs aligned with emerging industries such as green technology, healthcare, and IT.
-
Promote local hiring through city contracts by requiring contractors to employ Jersey City residents.
-
Establish a Small Business Advisory Council to provide ongoing support for entrepreneurs.
Affordable Housing
Joyce Watterman believes that housing is a human right and will prioritize policies that ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable homes.
Concerns
Jersey City has experienced rapid gentrification over the past decade. While development has brought new opportunities, it has also led to skyrocketing rents and property values that have displaced long-term residents.
The city’s current affordable housing policies have not kept pace with demand, leaving low- and middle-income families struggling to find stable housing.
Key statistics:
-
Median rent in Jersey City has increased by over 30% in the past five years.
-
Nearly 50% of renters in Jersey City are considered “rent-burdened,” spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
Solutions
-
Expand inclusionary zoning laws to require developers to allocate at least 20% of units as affordable housing.
-
Partner with non-profits and private developers to create mixed-income housing projects.
-
Increase funding for rent assistance programs targeted at low-income families.
-
Establish a Housing Stability Task Force to monitor evictions and provide legal aid to tenants facing displacement.
Public Safety Reforms
Joyce Watterman believes that creating safer communities requires a multifaceted approach that addresses crime prevention while improving relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Concerns
While overall crime rates have decreased in recent years, certain neighborhoods continue to experience high levels of violence and property crime.
Additionally, strained relationships between law enforcement and communities have hindered efforts to create safer environments.
Key issues:
-
Gun violence remains a concern in several areas.
-
Trust between residents and police officers needs significant improvement.
Solutions
-
Strengthen community policing programs by increasing officer training on cultural competency and conflict resolution.
-
Invest in crime prevention initiatives such as youth mentorship programs and after school activities.
-
Implement data-driven strategies to identify crime hotspots and allocate resources effectively.
-
Create an independent oversight board to ensure accountability in police conduct.
Educational Improvements
Education is the foundation of opportunity. Joyce Watterman will work tirelessly to ensure every child in Jersey City has access to high-quality education regardless of their zip code.
Concerns
Jersey City’s public schools face challenges related to funding allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and student support services.
Despite having one of the largest school budgets in the state ($1 billion annually), disparities persist in classroom resources and access to extracurricular activities.
Key issues:
-
Aging school facilities require modernization.
-
Mental health services for students are underfunded.
-
Achievement gaps exist between schools in different neighborhoods.
Solutions
-
Redirect more of the school district’s $1 billion budget toward classroom resources such as updated textbooks, technology, and extracurricular programs.
-
Advocate for increased state funding to modernize aging school facilities.
-
Expand mental health services in schools by hiring more counselors and social workers.
-
Launch a “Community Schools” initiative that integrates health care, after-school programs, and parental support services into local schools.
Comprehensive Enforcement
As Mayor, Joyce Watterman's administration will be committed to the fair and effective enforcement of all laws and ordinances outlined in Jersey City’s municipal code, encompassing public safety, housing, land use, business regulations, quality of life, and more.
Solutions
Uniform Enforcement Across All Codes: Every section of the municipal code will be enforced with equal diligence, from property maintenance and zoning to public health, safety, and business regulations. No area or issue will be neglected.
-
Proactive and Educative Approach: Building on the city’s “education before enforcement” model, inspectors will prioritize community engagement and education to encourage voluntary compliance, reserving penalties and court actions for repeat or serious violations.
-
Transparency and Accountability: The administration will ensure that enforcement actions are transparent, with clear communication about the laws, violations, and residents’ rights. Oversight mechanisms will be strengthened to guarantee fair application of all ordinances.
-
Regular Review and Adaptation: The municipal code will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the evolving needs of Jersey City, and staff will be trained to stay current with all amendments and best practices.
-
Community Partnership: Residents, businesses, and stakeholders will be partners in this process, with accessible channels for reporting concerns and participating in code updates and enforcement priorities.
