Two years ago, Jersey City made a groundbreaking decision to establish its Department of Infrastructure. The department managed various public assets, including streets, transit systems, parks, and municipal buildings. This innovative move has since transformed the city, reshaping its urban environment and improving public spaces.
Jersey City’s holistic and forward-thinking strategies have not only upgraded its infrastructure but also enhanced the quality of life for its residents.
The creation of the Department of Infrastructure followed years of detailed planning aimed at upgrading the city’s streets and public areas. Central to this effort was implementing nearly 25 miles of protected bike lanes and redesigning pedestrian spaces, converting areas dominated by asphalt into vibrant public plazas. Additionally, over 1,000 trees were planted, contributing to the city’s environmental goals, while new parks and parklets were developed to provide more outdoor spaces for dining and recreation.
These infrastructure changes were more than just aesthetic upgrades; they were designed to make Jersey City a more interconnected and environmentally friendly urban space. This initiative enhanced the city’s physical layout and bolstered the community’s connection to the public realm.
Recent plans such as the Bicycle Master Plan, Pedestrian Enhancement Plan, and Vision Zero Action Plan underscore Jersey City’s holistic approach to urban planning. The city’s Greenway Connectivity Plan and Complete Streets programs have further supported a sustainable, multi-modal transit system that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all.
The city has worked to fill transit gaps by introducing a regional bike-share program and an on-demand rideshare service in partnership with Via. Additionally, a subsidized ferry service connecting Jersey City to Lower Manhattan enhances regional connectivity. These efforts have yielded impressive results. Barkha Patel, Director of the Department of Infrastructure, notes that 57% of residents walk, bike, or use public transit for their commutes. Furthermore, 99% of residents live within half a mile of public transportation, and 37% of households are car-free.
These numbers reflect a significant cultural shift towards sustainable, active transportation in Jersey City. The city’s innovative programs have positioned it as a leader in urban mobility and green initiatives, with far-reaching benefits for its residents.
Jersey City’s transit and infrastructure initiatives have improved access and addressed critical social equity issues. Programs like micro-transit and Citi Bike have seen widespread use among low-income and minority residents. Patel points out that 78% of micro-transit users and 67% of Citi Bike riders identify as people of color. In addition, 40% of micro-transit users have household incomes under $50,000.
These transit options also serve affordable housing communities, with 40% of rides beginning or ending within 300 feet of such housing units. By prioritizing access for underserved populations, Jersey City ensures that its infrastructure investments benefit all residents, regardless of income or background.
One key factor behind Jersey City's rapid progress is its embrace of Tactical Urbanism. This approach involves making low-cost, temporary changes to public spaces that can be easily adjusted based on community feedback. One notable example is the pedestrianization of a section of Newark Avenue, initially implemented using simple materials like leftover paint and planters. The success of this initiative led to a more permanent redesign featuring granite pavers, trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, bike racks, and performance spaces.
Jersey City also used Tactical Urbanism to roll out protected bike lanes quickly and reconfigure major streets to prioritize non-motorized transportation. By relying on quick-build solutions, the city made meaningful improvements without the delays often associated with traditional infrastructure projects.
Mike Lydon, co-author of Tactical Urbanism and consultant to Jersey City, praised the city for applying this methodology on an unprecedented scale. For instance, the transformation of Bergen Square, once dominated by parking lots, has created public plazas that enhance the area’s historical significance while serving modern needs.
As Jersey City's streets have evolved, so has the city’s commitment to safety. Thanks to its Safe Systems approach, the city reported zero traffic fatalities on its streets in 2022, a milestone demonstrating its policies’ effectiveness. Mayor Steven Fulop emphasizes that this achievement is just one step toward making Jersey City “one of the safest, most sustainable, and livable places in the nation.”
Jersey City ensures its streets are safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers through protected bike lanes, redesigned intersections, and traffic-calming measures.
Over the past two decades, Jersey City has undergone a remarkable transformation. The city’s adoption of forward-thinking policies, including developing a light rail system and revitalizing its waterfront, has spurred significant population growth.
Now home to nearly 300,000 residents, the city has regained prominence in the mid-20th century and is consistently ranked among the best places to live.
