Local Governments Leading the Way Toward a Greener Future: Examining Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken's Impact
- Carly Gavant
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
This article will examine how a square mile town accomplished innovative sustainability goals, and will address what steps its mayor took that other cities can use as a blueprint to follow in his footsteps.
Hoboken, New Jersey, is a square-mile town (or city, depending on who you ask) located along the edge of the Hudson River. This small city made history eight years ago when it elected New Jersey’s first Sikh mayor. Ravi Bhalla, a civil rights lawyer, politician, and New Jersey native, was elected to become Hoboken’s 39th mayor in November 2017. Like his historic campaign, Mayor Bhalla was not one to shy away from a " first". His historic campaign set a trend for many firsts for Hoboken and for the state. He was the first to advance various major environmental initiatives, banning plastic bag use, developing resilient public spaces, and committing to 100% renewable energy use at municipal buildings, to name a few. In fact, in 2019, Hoboken was designated the first city in New Jersey to achieve LEED Gold certification for municipal sustainability efforts.
In an effort to further advance climate resiliency strategies, Hoboken collaborated with Montego Bay, Jamaica, to focus on green infrastructure solutions in the Cities Forward program. In this collaborative format, cities from completely different regions that share climate adaptation challenges can exchange knowledge and best practices. This is yet another example of how Hoboken is strategically planning ahead for the future, implementing long-term preventative care with new resilient infrastructure that will protect the city from floods and other natural disasters for decades to come.
Another innovative way the city of Hoboken has succeeded environmentally is by getting local youth involved, specifically with the appointment of the Hoboken Youth Advisory Commission. By appointing this commission, Hoboken created a direct pipeline for young residents to have their voices heard and provide input about the issues at the forefront of many young minds. In addition to the Hoboken Youth Advisory Commission, the town established the Youth Climate Action Fund, a series of microgrants awarded to individuals ages 15-24 who live, go to school, or work in Hoboken and who have created projects focusing on sustainability, resilience, and addressing climate challenges. These initiatives provide a crucial step forward and are one of the few examples of programs that include youth not just in theory, but in action. This fund allows the flexibility for individuals and groups alike to experiment with climate change-oriented solutions. It also motivates any young person with a desire to help make the world a better, greener place to apply. Youth activism is an essential part of sustainable solution-building, as youth themselves, their future kids and grandkids are and will continue to be most heavily impacted by the effects of climate change. Too often, young people have little to no say in protecting their future, in contrast, the Youth Climate Action Fund recognizes the importance of investing in young voices to provide an economic foundation for new, green strategies. This is a rare opportunity for youth to get involved in designing and implementing climate solutions, let alone one that is directly funded by the government. If you or someone you know is looking to get involved with the Youth Climate Action Fund, here is a link to find out more information, including how to apply and learn about previously awarded projects.
Hurricane Sandy’s Remnants and what we can learn from Natural Disasters
Anyone who was alive in the 2010s and resided in Hoboken can recall Hurricane Sandy and its impact on the city to this day. From flooded streets and basements to loss of power and waterfront access, Hurricane Sandy destroyed many Hoboken homes and businesses and highlighted our lack of properly prepared infrastructure. While my younger self was excited for a week off of school, Hurricane Sandy revealed how much one natural disaster could impact my community. Many lost their homes and businesses, and while it occurred over thirteen years ago, Sandy is still remembered as testing the vitality and strength of the Hoboken community. Neighbors shared outlets on front steps and opened doors to those affected by the extreme weather and flooding. After the hurricane passed, residents vowed to never be so ill prepared for a natural disaster again.
Often, leaders fail to institute change when the people and places they represent are not directly affected by the results of climate change. They only react after devastation occurs. Hoboken and Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s leadership demonstrated how a proactive response to a natural disaster can result in millions of dollars in invested infrastructure. As a city notably impacted by the effects of climate change such as flooding and rising sea levels are already major concerns. Hurricane Sandy has had a profound impact on Hoboken’s future-ready shift towards sustainability. A significant mitigation effort called Rebuild by Design will soon prevent flooding, protect shorelines and endangered marine life, and serve the community with public space for recreational activities.
Hoboken is easily able to measure its sustainability through the built environment, but can also do so through its legislation. Incorporating green language, regulations, and policies into city legislation is another great evaluation of the city’s sustainability. For example, Chapter 35 in the city’s administrative code addresses Civic Green Buildings, Article XXXVIII discusses Electric Vehicle Charging, one section establishes a Department of Climate Action and Innovation, and Article VI mentions the role of the Division of Sustainability and Resiliency. Through this implementation of green language in the city legislation, a top-down approach makes these sustainable changes easier to authorize, validate, and maintain.
The city of Hoboken has also taken a multidisciplinary approach towards supporting local environmental actions. Their award-winning safety and traffic legislation policies have indirectly created room for numerous sustainable benefits. Mayor Bhalla enacted Vision Zero into public legislation in August 2019, which states that by 2030, Hoboken vows to have no traffic-caused deaths or injuries. They are accomplishing this by implementing easy access to CitiBikes, the New York City area’s largest public bike-sharing system, lowering speed limits, adding bike lanes, and improving traffic infrastructure, such as adding stop signs on high pedestrian traffic streets. This mission promotes sustainability immensely, favoring walkability and cycling, and reducing reliance on cars. Although being more green is not the primary intention with this initiative, Vision Zero is another legislative example that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and elevates Hoboken as the standard for future-ready, sustainable urban communities.
History’s lasting, sustainable impact
Another indirect, yet crucial explanation for Hoboken’s climate success is the city’s emphasis on preservation and restoration of its historical landmarks. It may not be widely known, but Hoboken has always been a city of firsts, long before Mayor Bhalla was elected. In 1848, the first-ever professional baseball game was played on 10th Street and Washington Street, Hoboken’s main thoroughfare that now bustles with local shops and restaurants. The first Lipton Tea and Tootsie Roll factories were established in town, as well as the first zipper manufacturer and the largest coffee processing plant in the world at the time, Maxwell Coffee House. The city is the childhood home of the one and only Frank Sinatra, and a little show called Cake Boss has its origins here. There is so much history that residents of the city are proud of, which means there is so much worth fighting to protect. As sustainable and forward thinking Hoboken is, it would be nothing without the people who live there. A city is shaped by its past and thrives in the present. Good governments need good people, and vice versa. Hoboken proves that meaningful climate action does not require tons of land or unlimited resources, but only committed leadership and an engaged community. Mayor Bhalla’s legacy demonstrates that when local governments prioritize sustainability, they create not only safer and greener cities, but also a replicable model for communities nationwide. As climate challenges continue to intensify, Hoboken stands as a reminder that bold local action can shape a more resilient global future. Although Hoboken just elected a new mayor this past December, Mayor Bhalla’s impact still endures as his climate-forward actions will benefit the community for generations to come. The people of Hoboken made enormous strides in their efforts to address climate resilience and mitigation when they elected Ravi Bhalla to be their mayor. They proved that getting involved in local politics, voting, and inspiring others to vote are important and viable ways to take climate action. So, the next time someone tells you politics don’t matter in the fight against climate change, tell them about the city of Hoboken and Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
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