Keshav Poddar sworn in as Jersey City deputy mayor

Indian-origin attorney “Keshav Poddar” has been sworn in as deputy mayor of “Jersey City”, taking charge of housing and economic development in the city’s new administration. Poddar took his oath on the “Bhagwat Gita”, underlining his Indian heritage while assuming one of the city’s most consequential policy roles.

Key appointment in new city administration

Announcing the appointment, Mayor-elect “James Solomon” said Poddar would play a central role in delivering a resident-first government. Solomon noted that Poddar’s professional career has focused on affordable housing, community development, and advocacy for working families. Poddar had earlier served as executive director of Solomon’s transition team, where he helped shape priorities for the incoming administration.

Experience across state and federal government

Poddar is a lawyer specialising in community economic development and affordable housing construction in New Jersey. At the federal level, he most recently served as an economic policy adviser in the “Joe Biden–Kamala Harris administration”. His experience includes working at the National Security Council and on the staff of Vice President Kamala Harris. He also served as Harris’s economic policy manager during her presidential campaign, gaining exposure to national-level economic and housing policy frameworks.

Earlier work in New Jersey

Before joining the federal government, Poddar worked as counsel to former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. In that role, he contributed to the state’s Covid-19 response and handled policy matters related to consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and opioid enforcement. This background has positioned him as a policy professional with both legal and administrative expertise.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Jersey City is the second-largest city in the US state of New Jersey.
• The Bhagwat Gita is a key philosophical text of Hinduism, part of the Mahabharata.
• Deputy mayors in US cities often oversee specific policy portfolios rather than ceremonial roles.
• Affordable housing is a major urban governance issue in US metropolitan regions.

Role and responsibilities as deputy mayor

As deputy mayor for housing and economic development, Poddar will coordinate policies across multiple city agencies. His responsibilities include negotiations on affordable and workforce housing, aligning development goals with community needs, and supporting inclusive economic growth across Jersey City’s neighbourhoods.