Jersey City, New Jersey, USA: Indian-origin attorney Keshav Poddar has been officially appointed as the deputy mayor of Jersey City, where he will oversee housing and economic development initiatives. Poddar took his oath of office on the Bhagwat Gita, marking a culturally significant moment during the swearing-in ceremony.
Announcing the appointment, Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon praised Poddar’s professional background and commitment to public service. He stated that his administration is focused on prioritizing residents, and emphasized that Poddar’s extensive experience in affordable housing development and advocacy for working families makes him well suited for the role. Solomon also noted that Poddar has contributed at multiple levels, including legal practice, state administration, and federal policymaking.
Poddar previously served as the executive director of Solomon’s transition team and brings deep expertise as a lawyer specializing in community economic growth and affordable housing projects across New Jersey. His career includes several key positions within both state and federal government.
Most recently, Poddar worked as an economic policy advisor in the Joe Biden administration and Kamala Harris administration. During this period, he served as an official with the National Security Council and as part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s staff. He also held the role of economic policy manager for Harris during her presidential campaign.
Earlier in his career, Poddar worked as legal counsel to former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, contributing to the state’s response to Covid-19 and addressing matters related to consumer rights, criminal justice reform, and opioid enforcement.
Academically, Poddar is a graduate of Yale Law School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Dartmouth College. A native of New Jersey, he currently resides in Jersey City.
In his new role as deputy mayor, Poddar will be responsible for coordinating housing and economic development strategies across various city departments. His duties will include negotiating affordable and workforce housing projects, as well as ensuring broader community benefits through development initiatives.
