Jersey City is the most diverse city in the country and we are pretty competitive when it comes to being “the first.”
If you’ve been keeping up with news in the past 10 months, you may have seen tweets, briefings, and updates by our Mayor. Oftentimes, he shares that we’re the “first” to get things done in the area!
First to enforce restrictions and curfews for the pandemic
Jersey City implemented curfews and restrictions in mid-March, especially as they received notice of the first few positive cases in the area.
We were the first in the country (last week) to implement any restrictions on any sort establishments in the city and being that social distancing is the best solution we will be expanding our limitations to different establishments.
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) March 16, 2020
Yes. We have been aggresive and we were prob the 1st in the country on limitations for bars, nightclubs last week as our team recognized right away where this could go. Today we spent lots of time better understanding our hospital system’s strengths/weaknesses https://t.co/FXFCepw4qu
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) March 16, 2020
1/3 In March, #JerseyCity was amongst the 1st in the country + 1st in the state to put restrictions/curfews in place. That’s a fact. We aren’t going to do that again so quickly. When we did it in March there was a lot less info about the virus, how it is transmitted, risks…
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) October 28, 2020
First to fund testing sites and vaccinations early on
Jersey City allocated funds toward launching two testing centers in March.
We’re starting to allocate funds tonight ($2m) to contract for vaccination sites across the city. We took the same approach to testing sites early in the pandemic + we were the 1st in NJ to facilitate. We fronted the $ then argue about reimbursement later https://t.co/WNRXwSVRtd
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) December 16, 2020
First to scan residents for COVID
Scanners and mask recognition programs were installed in municipal buildings to slow the spread among residents and employees.
Sadly, the new normal… We started installing today scanners at 50 municipal buildings. They don’t require any contact w/a person (or a machine) + they don’t store any info BUT they do read a person’s temperature + monitor safety for entry. Safety is the priority pic.twitter.com/ZmMpBswWcD
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) July 1, 2020
First in the state to implement a tax to finance the arts
During election season, voters in Jersey City voted for legislation that supports the arts through an Arts Trust Fund.
We will be the 1st in the state on this front. It’s been a 2+ year journey getting enabling legislation approved in Trenton so we can do this. If we’re going to be amongst the best midsize cities in the country we know strong support for arts make a city a desirable place to live
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) October 10, 2020
Do you think the arts are crucial for a vibrant city? If yes – you should know that on the ballot this November is your chance to support an Arts Trust Fund dedicated to local #JerseyCity non-profits. This would be the 1st in NJ + would secure long term arts support here in JC pic.twitter.com/WMH4i40lOQ
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) September 15, 2020
We’re the 1st to implement this + it speaks to our commitment to the arts. This will serve as a safety net for the creative class in #JerseyCity to keep our city moving forward. Thank you JC for saying YES. https://t.co/xw3JNY0pp3
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) November 5, 2020
First city to build an urban farming initiative in the US
Over the summer, Jersey City launched a vertical farming program to provide healthy foods to underserved neighborhoods in the city.
1/3 We are going to be the 1st city in the country to build a comprehensive urban farming initiative. Part of the free access to the the program for residents living in food deserts requires quarterly health screening w/@QuestDX + healthy eating seminars https://t.co/N3fYvWuLli
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) June 8, 2020
First to launch on-demand city-run transit in the state
The ride-share app Via launched in Jersey City as a local alternative to buses and a more affordable option compared to nationwide ride-sharing apps.
1/2 Some data from our 1st day w/@ridewithvia on our muni ride share. Per Via their largest 1st day launch anywhere. Almost 500 rides yesterday, average of 3.2 riders per vehicle during rush hours. Those number are both incredible + mean we are absolutely taking cars pic.twitter.com/RSeOXIs6Bu
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) February 27, 2020
Named the most diverse city in the US
Jersey City is back in the top spot when it comes to diversity, according to WalletHub’s annual diversity ranking.
1/2 – #JerseyCity is BACK at #1 in the 2020 rankings on the most diverse cities in the #USA. W/immigration reform remaining a major national issue + the Supreme Court allowing @realDonaldTrump admin the public charge rule cont.. https://t.co/yyjBPc5T13
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) February 11, 2020
Interesting and creative article. I live in Maplewood but my daughter, Sarah Gordon Durno, lives in JC so I know about you and your endeavors to put JC in a positive light. We are both fans and hope you continue your quest to help create the image JC deserves. Come to Maplewood and give us a shout out!