Meredith Burns is a proud fourth-generation resident of Jersey City, deeply rooted in the city’s history and committed to building its future. Her great-grandparents on both sides immigrated from Ireland and built their lives in Jersey City. Public service runs in her family—her mother was a nurse at Christ Hospital, her father served as a Deputy Chief in the Jersey City Fire Department before becoming Director of the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management, and her brother continues this legacy as a Captain in the Jersey City Fire Department.
Meredith began her career as an actor, performing Off-Broadway and regionally. She is a founding member of Glass Bandits Theater Company, a nonprofit based in Brooklyn, where she served as Managing Director from 2010 to 2014. From 2014 to 2017, she built and led a comprehensive arts and literacy-based afterschool program at New Voices Middle School in Brooklyn, serving more than 200 children daily.
In 2017, Meredith became the Executive Director of Art House Productions, helping to expand Jersey City’s arts and culture landscape. In 2019, she was honored with the NJCU Leadership Award for her contributions to the arts. She played a key role in the passage of the Jersey City Arts Fund in 2020, making history as New Jersey’s first municipal trust fund dedicated to the arts. Her leadership has been widely recognized, earning her a Women of Action Award from the Jersey City Council in 2022. She also serves as a trustee on the board of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Meredith is running for Jersey City Council At-Large to improve the quality of life for families, address the rising cost of living—especially for those on fixed incomes—implement sustainable artist housing, and support small businesses. With a proven track record of delivering on her promises and bringing people together to achieve big goals, Meredith is ready to be a strong advocate for all Jersey City residents.
Meredith lives in Jersey City with her husband, Mike, their son, Conrad, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Maddie.
She holds a BFA in Acting from SUNY Purchase and is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
She brings over 15 years of experience as an executive leader in cultural and nonprofit organizations and a lifelong commitment to public service. She has spearheaded major initiatives, including growing Art House’s revenues by 150% since 2017 and securing a state-of-the-art Performing and Visual Arts Center for the organization on Marin Boulevard steps from the Grove Street PATH. She played a key role in passing Jersey City Municipal Question #1, establishing New Jersey’s first Municipal Arts Trust Fund.
Meredith seeks to build stronger communities and better services for all Jersey City residents, increasing the quality of life for everyone.
A major concern for every longtime resident of Jersey City, Meredith plans to tackle this issue immediately.
Meredith is committed to spending her time in office creating programs to support the non-profits and small businesses in Jersey City.
