Art House Productions Executive Director Meredith Burns has been named an at-large council candidate on Jersey City mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey’s slate. A fourth-generation Jersey City resident, Burns says she brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in the cultural and nonprofit sectors.
“Meredith’s diverse skill set includes strategic leadership, team building, event planning, financial management, and fundraising. She is an asset to Jersey City as we work to reduce municipal government spending, build affordable housing, increase public safety, and improve Jersey City Public Schools.”
Burns lists increasing the organization’s revenue by 150% since 2017 and securing a 29-year lease for a new performing and visual arts center at just $10 per year as two major accomplishments. She was also involved in the passage of Jersey City Municipal Question #1, which created New Jersey’s first municipal arts trust fund.
Burns has received multiple awards, including recognition from the Jersey City Arts Council, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the New Jersey City University Leadership in the Arts program. She also received the Women of Action Award from Councilman James Solomon, McGreevey’s mayoral opponent. Burns serves as a trustee for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
“We need bold, forward-thinking programs that foster civic pride, keep our streets safe and clean, create more affordable housing for the people who have shaped Jersey City for generations—including artists—uplift our small businesses and nonprofits, and strengthen our Special Improvement Districts so they can better support local entrepreneurs and commercial corridors,” Burns said in a statement. “It’s time for leadership that prioritizes our residents’ long-term success and strengthens our community’s foundation.”
She is the sixth candidate announced as part of McGreevey’s nine-person council slate, joining Brandi Warren (Ward A), Erfrain Badilla Orleans Jr. (Ward B), Councilman Rich Boggiano (Ward C), Ryan Baylock (Ward E), and Gloria Walton (Ward F).
