Skip navigation menu
  • PRESS RELEASE

    Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher Announces Run for Hoboken Mayor

  • PRESS RELEASE

    Being Hoboken's Mayor - Let’s Talk About the Job

  • PRESS RELEASE

    My Thoughts on the Mayoral Race

Feb
17
2025
PRESS RELEASE

Being Hoboken's Mayor - Let’s Talk About the Job

Dear friends and neighbors,
Happy Presidents Day! As we reflect on the leadership that has shaped our country—both for better and for worse—it’s a reminder that elections matter. The choices we make at the ballot box determine not just our national direction but the future of our own communities. And here in Hoboken, that decision is just nine months away.
It has been an exciting few weeks, and the pieces are falling into place as I move forward with plans to run to be Hoboken’s next mayor. I have opened my campaign account and filed the requisite campaign registration form, hired campaign media advisors, and my new website is underway. I am energized and humbled by all the volunteers who are signing up, and contributions are already coming in.
But what makes it feel real is seeing my name in lights—literally—in the form of a new logo! These are early drafts, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one you’d choose.
I’m sticking to my core brand but repositioning it for the next challenge ahead. And I couldn’t be more excited!
BEING MAYOR OF HOBOKEN IS A BIG JOB
I think about this all the time and it informs my decision to run.  Don't you agree, that Hoboken deserves a mayor who knows how to run a city, has the vision to move it forward, and is ready to do the job on day one?
When I first ran for City Council in 2015, it wasn’t just because I loved the city I had lived in for 21 years. I saw gaps in leadership—a lack of financial acumen and experience with redevelopment, which were two of the most significant issues facing Hoboken.
With my 23-year career in finance and commercial real estate, and most recently having been a CFO hired to restructure a distressed real estate company, I knew I could help fill this gap. And I did—ensuring Hoboken had its own redevelopment advisor, so we could negotiate with developers on equal footing instead of always being the underdog. I also pushed for the hiring of a city engineer so that critical projects were managed by professionals, not just by well-intentioned but unqualified staff.  And I led every effort, every year but one, to cut wasteful spending proposed by the mayor and reduce the tax burden on Hoboken residents.
Now, after 31 years as a resident and nearly a decade on the City Council, my reasons for running to be your mayor are similar. I love this city more than ever, and I see both the progress we’ve made and the challenges that remain. Hoboken needs a mayor with a vision—but also the leadership, management, financial, operational, and development expertise to execute that vision. I have that experience, and that is why I plan to run.
Right now, Hoboken residents are dealing with real issues—rats, crime, traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, everyday flooding and rising costs of living. But these problems are fixable—with the right leadership. A mayor who knows how to run a large organization, manage city services, and make tough decisions can ensure that Hoboken is safe, clean, and well-run.
WHAT DO I MEAN BY “BEING MAYOR IS A BIG JOB”?
The Mayor of Hoboken isn’t just a figurehead—it’s the chief executive of a city with a $150M+ budget, hundreds of employees, and 60,000+ residents who depend on City Hall to get things right. It’s a hands-on job requiring strong management, sound decision-making, and a commitment to keeping Hoboken’s residents as the top priority in every decision—a gap we desperately need filled.
Still not sure if you agree? Here’s just some of what this job entails:

  • Lead Public Safety & Crisis Management

  • Oversee and Manage City Services & Operations

  • Effectively Maintain Public Spaces and Right of Ways

  • Manage City Finances & Keep Spending in Check

  • Direct Infrastructure, Public Space, and Redevelopment Projects

  • Plan for the Smart Use of Hoboken’s Limited Space

  • Strengthen Housing & Development Oversight

  • Hire, Manage, and Hold City Hall Accountable

  • Represent Hoboken & Negotiate on Its Behalf

  • Maintain Transparency & Ethical Leadership

  • Build Strong, Lasting Partnerships with our Schools, Community Leaders & Institutions

These are just category titles—the more fulsome list of day to day responsibilities can be found after my signature and I encourage you to read it.  It’s a big list, because it’s a BIG JOB.
I HAVE THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE TO LEAD ON DAY ONE.
Hoboken needs a mayor who knows how to run a complex organization, manage people effectively, and deliver results. This is not a job for someone learning on the fly—it requires executive leadership, financial expertise, and a strong understanding of not only government operations, but issues that are unique to our Hoboken community.
For nearly a decade on the City Council, and 3 years on the Hoboken Zoning and Planning Boards, I’ve played a leading role in the city’s biggest initiatives, always making sure Hoboken is first priority, including:

  • Rebuild by Design and infrastructure upgrades.

  • Open space expansion and protecting our waterfront.

  • Public and pedestrian safety initiatives and quality-of-life improvements.

  • Zoning and redevelopment plans

  • Economic development and responsible budgeting.

  • Maintaining rent control and growing affordable housing

With 23 years as a leader in finance and commercial real estate, I have the expertise to:

  • Manage large, complex budgets with financial discipline and accountability.

  • Lead a complex organization with varied operational needs, ensuring city departments work efficiently and deliver results.

  • Hire and manage top talent, ensuring Hoboken has the best people running key city departments.

  • Oversee infrastructure and development projects that benefit residents—not just special interests.

As a 31-year resident of Hoboken, I know our community—our history, our people, and our challenges. I’ve been part of Hoboken's past, I’m committed to its present, and I will fight for its future. What matters to you, matters to me—because I live it too.
THIS ELECTION IS A NINE-MONTH JOB INTERVIEW
And you—Hoboken’s voters—are the hiring committee.  This is not just a popularity contest. This is about:

  • Your safety

  • Your quality of life

  • Your tax dollars

  • The future of our city

The next mayor must not only be able to address the issue that matters most to you but must also have the skills, experience, and integrity to tackle all of the challenges facing Hoboken.  When you cast your vote next fall, you’re not just choosing a candidate—you’re hiring the right person for the job.
Hoboken deserves a mayor who knows how to run a city, has the vision to move it forward, and is ready to do the job on day one.  And I believe that is me.
I want to hear from you. What are the biggest issues facing Hoboken that you think need urgent attention? Reply to this email or reach out anytime—your input will help shape the campaign ahead.More to come soon—including my official campaign launch!
Reminder to check out a more robust list of mayoral responsibilities below.  And as always, please share this with everyone you know who may be interested and reach out any time on any issue important to you: 201-208-1764 or CouncilwomanFisher2@gmail.com.
Tiffanie FisherHoboken City Council, 2nd Ward
Engage. Inform. Advocate.“More Voices are Better”
If you like this newsletter, please donate to help keep it going via website or paypal.Learn more: www.Hoboken2ndWard.comFollow me on FacebookInstagram or Twitter
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MAYOR OF HOBOKEN
Lead Public Safety & Crisis Management

  • Supervise the police and fire departments to ensure public safety priorities are met.

  • Enforce traffic laws, e-bike regulations, and health and safety policies to protect residents.

  • Develop and implement emergency response plans for flooding, infrastructure failures, and other crises.

Oversee and Manage City Services & Operations

  • Go back to the basics—ensure core services like sanitation, road maintenance, and health and safety enforcement function at the highest level.

  • Oversee quality-of-life initiatives including rat mitigation, overnight noise control, and pedestrian safety.

  • Hire and manage qualified department leaders and hold them accountable for results.

  • Address staffing shortages, service delays, and mismanagement to improve how City Hall serves residents.

  • Ensure strong constituent services so residents can get their issues resolved efficiently and have direct access to the resources they need.

  • Overhaul the city’s IT systems to eliminate inefficiencies and provide better access and services for Hoboken residents.

  • Run recreational programming and ensure public spaces are optimized to meet the needs of residents of all ages.

Manage City Finances & Keep Spending in Check

  • Oversee the $150M+ city budget and ensure fiscal responsibility.

  • Control spending, demand competitive bidding on contracts, and prevent politically driven waste.

  • Secure grants and external funding to offset costs and reduce the tax burden on residents.

  • Manage the city’s debt responsibly while forecasting future costs to ensure long-term financial stability.

  • Apply private-sector financial controls to create independent oversight, prevent fraud, and eliminate financial mismanagement.

  • Ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and taxpayers receive the services they pay for.

Direct Infrastructure, Public Space, and Redevelopment Projects

  • Ensure flood protection, water/sewer upgrades, and road maintenance projects are planned and executed efficiently.

  • Manage zoning, redevelopment, and building approvals to balance growth, affordability, and open space.

  • Negotiate with large-scale residential developers to require that they fund and deliver significant community investments and infrastructure upgrades within their projects.

Plan for the Smart Use of Hoboken’s Limited Space

  • Conduct a full assessment of city-owned buildings and lots to determine how best to use public land.

  • Work proactively with public schools and developers to address school space needs before it becomes a crisis.

  • Commit to building the long-promised community center and pool before it’s too late, ensuring existing services continue throughout construction.

Strengthen Housing & Development Oversight

  • Update policies to ensure new development includes enough affordable housing to keep Hoboken livable for working families and seniors.

  • Create and properly staff a Housing & Development Department to enforce rent control, manage affordable housing programs, and provide oversight for future development.

  • Support the Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) in expediting redevelopment and improving public housing conditions.

Hire, Manage, and Hold City Hall Accountable

  • Appoint and hire experienced, competent leaders—not political loyalists—who are fully prepared for their roles on day one.

  • Prioritize expertise and leadership in every hire to ensure City Hall delivers the best outcomes for the Hoboken community.

  • End the culture of learning on the job. Hoboken needs experienced professionals, not amateurs, in every key position.

  • Set clear expectations and performance measures for all city departments.

  • Ensure residents—not insiders or special interests—are the priority in every decision.

Represent Hoboken & Negotiate on Its Behalf

  • Advocate for Hoboken in county, state, and regional matters to secure funding and policy support.

  • Negotiate contracts and agreements with developers, businesses, and service providers to protect taxpayers and keep Hoboken competitive.

  • Work with the City Council and other officials to pass policies that improve Hoboken’s quality of life.

Maintain Transparency & Ethical Leadership

  • Ensure the Hoboken government is as good as the people it represents, and decisions are made openly and in residents' best interests.

  • Prevent conflicts of interest, political favoritism, and backroom deals.

  • Communicate honestly and regularly with the public.

Build Strong, Lasting Partnerships with Community Leaders & Institutions

  • Foster better collaborations between City Hall and Stevens Institute of Technology, the Hoboken Business Alliance, and local schools—including public, charter, and private institutions—to enhance education and recreation opportunities and support local businesses.

  • Strengthen City Hall’s ties with Hoboken University Medical Center, the Hoboken Public Library, the Hoboken Community Center & Food Pantry, local houses of worship, and nonprofit organizations to expand community services and resources.

  • Work closely with local businesses, cultural associations, advocacy groups, and neighborhood groups to ensure Hoboken remains a thriving, inclusive, and well-supported community.