Jersey City Council reaffirms “Golden Door” support for New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act; withdraws $40M 911 buildout resolution

The Jersey City Municipal Council on Jan. 29, 2025 voted to reaffirm the city’s identity as the “Golden Door of America” and to urge state lawmakers to pass the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, while also withdrawing a proposed $40 million resolution for a new public‑safety dispatch buildout pending further review.

The council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 25‑048, which “expresses its unequivocal support for the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act,” and asks the administration to promote city services and “know your rights” programs aimed at immigrant and mixed‑status households. Councilperson Saleh, who brought the item forward, said the measure aims “to help instill more trust within our local community” so residents will feel safe accessing services. Council President Waterman joined the unanimous vote and said the council would do what it could within its limits to uphold the city’s long history as a gateway for newcomers.

The measure cites the state bills by number (Senate bill 3672, Assembly bill 4987) and directs city departments to make materials available in multiple languages and to publicize the city’s Division of Immigrant Affairs and federally accredited immigration legal services.

Why it matters: The council’s formal endorsement of the trust‑act legislation signals municipal support for policies aimed at reducing fear in immigrant communities and improving access to city services. The resolution also asks the administration to develop a promotional plan to connect residents with education, health and legal resources.

Other business: The council introduced several first‑reading ordinances (items 3.1–3.5) covering franchise use of the public right‑of‑way, pedestrian mall designations, amendments to demolition and zoning chapters, and permit‑parking changes; those ordinances were introduced by roll call. The council also approved ceremonial resolutions recognizing municipal employees and observing Muslim Heritage Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Withdrawal of 9‑1‑1 expenditure: Council members debated a separate item—resolution 25‑087—authorizing a roughly $40 million upgrade and relocation of dispatch and related public‑safety infrastructure. Councilmember Baggiano asked for more detail on project budgets and financing; Director staff explained the proposal involves radio systems, servers and other heavy infrastructure to modernize the city’s 9‑1‑1 center. After council members requested more time to review line‑item costs and financing terms, the council voted to withdraw the resolution from the agenda so staff can provide an itemized schedule and more complete briefing. No purchases or contracts had been executed when the item was withdrawn.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to add item 10.48 (Resolution 25‑088, emergency temporary appropriation) — Mover: Councilperson Solay; Second: Councilperson Prince Arie. Vote: 7–0 to add to agenda. - Introduction votes on ordinances 3.1–3.5 (first reading) — Vote: introduced 7–0. - Motion to defer items 10.6, 10.8, 10.9, 10.43 — Mover: Councilperson Solay; Second: Councilperson Baggiano. Vote: 7–0 to defer for presentation during the meeting. - Resolution 25‑046 honoring Raymond (Ray) Meyer on his retirement — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0. - Resolution 25‑048 (reaffirm Jersey City as the Golden Door; support NJ Immigrant Trust Act, SB 3672 / AB 4987) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0. - Resolution 25‑049 (observe Muslim Heritage Month) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0. - Resolution 25‑083 (recognize Jan. 27, 2025 as Holocaust Remembrance Day) — Vote: approved unanimously 7–0. - Item 10.1 (part of a grouped vote of items 10.1–10.13): Councilperson Solomon changed his vote on 10.1 to “no,” resulting in a 6–1 approval for that grouped set where recorded (see meeting minutes for line‑by‑line tallies). - Withdrawal of item 10.47 / Resolution 25‑087 (proposed $40M public‑safety/9‑1‑1 buildout): Motion to withdraw approved 7–0.

What’s next: The council asked staff to return with a full, itemized budget and financing plan for the withdrawn dispatch upgrade before a future vote. The immigrant‑trust resolution directs the administration to prepare outreach and accessibility plans; implementation details and timelines were not specified in the resolution.

At the meeting the council also received dozens of public comments on traffic safety, housing and tenant enforcement, and bicycle infrastructure; several public‑commenters asked for specific enforcement and staffing actions (see related articles on Monticello traffic and tenant enforcement).