Former Hoboken City Councilperson, Dave Mello, Launches Council Campaign joining Team Fisher

HOBOKEN, NJ — Former Hoboken City Councilman Dave Mello, who served two terms from 2009 to 2017 during Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s administration, has officially launched his campaign for City Council, joining mayoral candidate Tiffanie Fisher’s growing slate for the November election. A longtime Hoboken resident, public school teacher, and experienced public servant, Mello is running for one of the three at-large council seats. He previously represented Hoboken as an At-Large Councilmember and led efforts to deliver key projects like the Southwest Resiliency Park in the city’s Fourth Ward and launch Hoboken’s citywide water infrastructure upgrade efforts in the wake of repeated, devastating water main breaks.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and am running again because Hoboken needs experienced leaders who consistently put residents first and have a proven track record of delivering real results,” said Mello. “Throughout my time in public service, I’ve focused on projects that make a lasting difference in people’s lives—like the Southwest Resiliency Park and the redevelopment of the Hoboken Housing Authority—and I believe that kind of leadership is needed now more than ever. I’m stepping up to join Team Fisher because I’m energized by our shared vision and what we can accomplish together for Hoboken’s future.”

During his tenure on City Council, Dave was also instrumental in launching the HOP shuttle service and delivering key open space projects including the Southwest Resiliency Park, the 770 House public plaza, the Damon Murray Gym and the 7th and Jackson Resiliency Park. He spent ten years serving on the Hoboken Housing Authority board of directors, the last four as that board’s chairman, at a pivotal time that stabilized management of the HHA and launched its redevelopment plan that will upgrade the living conditions for thousands of Hoboken residents. A consistent advocate on issues such as infrastructure, affordability, and smart development, Mello continues to push for a more transparent and responsive local government that unfailingly prioritizes the needs of Hoboken’s residents.

“Dave has always been a tireless advocate for Hoboken residents,” said Tiffanie Fisher, mayoral candidate. “His deep knowledge of city government, commitment to public service, and track record of delivering real results make him an invaluable addition to our team. Dave brings a level of integrity and determination that our city needs right now, and I’m proud to have him standing beside me as we work to build a stronger, more responsive Hoboken.”

“I’m excited to have Dave join our slate,” said Liz Urtecho, candidate for Council Member-at-Large. “Team Fisher is becoming a powerhouse of experience and results-driven leadership. Dave isn’t afraid to push back when necessary—he brings both unmatched experience and the courage to challenge the status quo. He’s exactly the kind of representative Hoboken needs right now.”

About Dave Mello:
Dave and his wife, Stacy Shapiro Mello, have lived in Hoboken for 27 years and are raising their two daughters in Southwest Hoboken. Zoey is finishing 7th grade at Elysian Charter School, and Sienna just completed her freshman year at Syracuse University, where she’s pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater. A high school social studies teacher and union leader in the Jersey City Public Schools, Dave has been a dedicated public school educator for 24 years.