Jersey City Business Administrator Receives International Award as Top Influencer in Local Government

Since being appointed by Mayor Fulop in 2018, Brain Platt’s Exemplary Public Service has helped Modernize Operations and expand Sustainable Environmental Policies

JERSEY CITY –Mayor Steven M. Fulop announces Jersey City’s Business Administrator, Brian David Platt, has been ranked number 2 for the 2019 Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) Traeger Award, a competitive list of the top 100 standout influencers working at all levels in local government across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Brian Platt is the youngest appointed Business Administrator in the history of Jersey City, and was nominated for the Traeger Award by his peers citing his ability to bring energy, innovation, and direction to Jersey City.  Under his leadership, the City has modernized operations, crafted and codified sustainable environmental policies, and widened services for entrepreneurs.

“This award comes as no surprise as Brian is the epitome of what any Mayor would ask for in a City manager,” said Mayor Fulop.  “Brian is raising the bar for our residents, bringing innovate initiatives that have helped make Jersey City a leader in everything from modernizing operations to bike lane infrastructure to sustainable environmental policies.”

Platt’s award is based on his influence in the community and outside the community through professional associations, mentoring, and writing.  He is also a volunteer for United Rescue, with medical training to respond to an emergency and provide aid before an ambulance arrives.  He started his City Hall career as the first leader of the Office of Innovation under which he created the Open Data Portal, digitized payments and forms across the City, and simultaneously worked to establish the first Office of Sustainability.

“I am honored for this unexpected recognition,” said awardee, Brian Platt.  “I feel incredibly lucky to get to come to work every day and make a difference in the community where I live and am raising my family.  None of the cited accomplishments could be done without the support of the Mayor and my peers.  My hope is to inspire others to think outside of the box when faced with a challenge.”

The Traeger List is an annual recognition program to celebrate local government leaders for their service and contributions.  The award is named for Chris Traeger, the City Manager for the fictional City of Pawnee, Indiana on the television show “Parks and Recreation.” He was known for extreme energy and commitment to improving local government.

“Announcing the Traeger List is one of my favorite times of the year,” said ELGL co-founder and executive director Kirsten Wyatt. “Celebrating the great work that Traeger List honorees do every day in towns, cities, counties, and districts is a great start to the new year. And reading the kind words that the nominators shared is inspiring and brightens the days of all of our members. It’s a great reminder of why working in local government is so rewarding.”