A JumpStart New Jersey Initiative spearheaded by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) to collect and showcase some of the best ideas around the state from local government officials and community leaders has moved into its next round, with a spotlight on Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage and Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos.
Gottheimer also highlights the New Jersey Carpenters Union.
“As I meet with local leaders in labor, from the faith community, and our mayors and other elected officials, I’m always encouraged about the future of our great state,” said Gottheimer. “We need to have more conversations like them, and share their great ideas with others across our great state. There is no need to reinvent the wheel.”
Bollwage, the mayor of New Jersey’s fourth-largest city since 1993, has revitalized brownfield sites in Elizabeth, prioritizing clean-up and redevelopment projects.
Now in his fifth term on the Newark City Council, Ramos pushed for special business improvement districts to promote economic development in the North Ward.
Gottheimer is also telling the story of Progress 360, a non-profit set up by the New Jersey Carpenters Union to help underserved populations.