Jersey City’s Mayor Fulop Releases 155 -Page Transition Report

Most Comprehensive Review Conducted During a Transition in Jersey City;

Roadmap Outlined for Moving City Forward

JERSEY CITY SEAL LOGOJERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop today released the 155-page report issued by the Transition Team that details the current state of Jersey’s City’s municipal government, identifies the significant issues, and lays a roadmap for correcting many of the longstanding problems.

A link to the complete transition report can be found at:

http://www.jerseycitynj.gov/uploadedFiles/City_Government/Office_of_the_Mayor/Transition%20Report.pdf

“The transition team spent four weeks collecting and reviewing information, as well as best practices and models for municipalities, to determine what are the issues facing Jersey City and what can guide us as we develop long-overdue solutions,” said Mayor Fulop.  “I hope the public takes an opportunity to review these findings as much time and effort was invested and we view this as a positive process toward moving Jersey City forward.”

The Transition Team was comprised of 11 subcommittees that were as follows: Budget and Financial Operations Review Team; Departmental Operations Review Team; Executive Recruitment; Workforce Development, Training and Reentry; Real Estate/Redevelopment/Business Climate-Outreach Committee; Independent Authorities; Cultural Development and Tourism; Legal Review; Recreation/Education; and IT Initiatives.

Amongst other topics, the transition review highlighted the shortfalls of the Healy administration budget and legacy structural deficit, but also identified recommendations for generating recurring revenue to provide long-term property tax stability.

The report also details operational reviews of city departments and agencies and presents numerous recommendations to generate efficiencies, create accountability, and produce cost savings.  Examples include modernizing the City’s payroll system, the implementation of online purchasing and procurement, and the reestablishment of the City Grants Office.

As part of the process, Mayor Fulop held four community meetings during the transition period to also hear directly from the public about their concerns and goals for the new administration.  Much of their sentiments were echoed in the findings of the report, including the need for improved customer service in City offices, a more efficient and transparent Building Department, and technology improvements for the delivery of city services.