Mayor-elect James Solomon’s first big staffing move really says a lot about where he’s headed: community-centered, reform-driven, and honestly, pretty obsessed with affordability. By picking Laura Bustamante as his chief of staff, Solomon’s putting a political veteran with deep grassroots chops right at the center of things—someone who’s already shown she can turn big ideas into actual change on the ground.
Laura Bustamante: From Council Office to Corner Office at City Hall
Bustamante knows Jersey City and Solomon’s approach inside out. She started off in Solomon’s council office, where she got a real sense of what folks care about, what neighborhoods need, and how city government actually works day to day.
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That work let her see up close how decisions—from housing to transit to safety—actually shape people’s lives.
A Career Shaped by Public Service and Strategy
After her stint in the council office, Bustamante took her skills statewide. She worked as deputy state director and political director for U.S. Senator Andy Kim, helping to craft outreach strategies across New Jersey and teaming up with local leaders and grassroots organizers.
By July 2024, she’d stepped up as Kim’s statewide political director. That campaign ended in a landslide win in November, putting Kim on the map and giving Bustamante a serious spotlight as one of the brains behind the victory.
Kim’s called her a “rising star” and a “next-generation leader”—not small praise as Solomon puts together his top team.
A Chief of Staff Focused on Affordability and Inclusion
Solomon’s campaign slogan—building an affordable Jersey City—wasn’t just a throwaway line. Bustamante’s made it clear she plans to help make that a reality, not just a promise.
Prioritizing Affordable Housing and Community Voice
Right after her appointment, Bustamante highlighted her focus on affordable housing and fair development. She’s adamant that City Hall needs to listen to the whole community, not just whoever’s loudest or most connected.
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That means paying attention to renters and homeowners feeling the crunch, plus small businesses and long-time residents anxious about being pushed out.
With her background in strategic engagement and grassroots organizing, Bustamante sees her job as amplifying neighborhood voices—making sure concerns get heard before decisions are set in stone. She’s likely to push for more listening sessions, targeted outreach where it’s needed most, and tighter partnerships with local organizations.
Solomon’s Mandate: A Landslide and a New Direction
Solomon comes in with a strong mandate. He beat former Governor Jim McGreevey with around 68% of the vote, showing people wanted a real shift at City Hall.
He’ll be sworn in January 15, 2026. That’s when this new chapter for Jersey City officially kicks off.
Backed by a Strong Statewide Alliance
Solomon’s connection with Senator Kim adds a whole other layer. Kim backed Solomon during the runoff, creating an alliance between local and federal leaders that could really matter as Jersey City looks for state and federal support on housing, transit, and infrastructure in key city districts.
With Bustamante right in the mix—tied to both everyday residents and political power players—Solomon’s putting his chips on a chief of staff who can connect local needs with the bigger political picture.
What This Means for Residents, Visitors, and the City’s Future
For residents, Bustamante’s appointment comes down to results. Will rents finally stabilize? Will development feel less lopsided, and will City Hall actually listen?
Visitors, investors, and new arrivals will pick up on the vibe this administration sets. That mood will shape everything from neighborhood character to whether local businesses thrive or just hang on.
Jersey City keeps pulling in new faces—folks lured by the skyline, food, and that quick hop to Manhattan. The next few years of policy decisions will touch everything, from Jersey City hotels and nightlife to whether working families can stick around.
If you’re planning a visit, these shifts will shape your options for where to stay in Jersey City. Walkability, neighborhood feel, and waterfront access are all in play.
Local businesses are watching, hoping the new administration finds a sweet spot between economic growth and protecting the community. Residents want a City Hall that actually values what they have to say.
Tourism and quality of life? They’re more connected than ever. Visitors searching for things to do in Jersey City often wander past the waterfront, into historic blocks and up-and-coming arts spots.
How those neighborhoods evolve—and who gets to stay—hangs on how Solomon and Bustamante handle growth and affordability. It’s a fine line, and honestly, it’s not clear how it’ll shake out.
Commuters and newcomers also have skin in the game. Choices about transit, zoning, and affordability will shape getting to Jersey City, figuring out its neighborhoods, and deciding if this is the place to settle down.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City Mayor-elect Solomon names Bustamante as his chief of staff
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