Jersey City Redevelopment Agency Names New Director
The board unanimously selected Polina Bakhteiarov to lead the agency starting in November.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency board has voted 7-0 to appoint Polina Bakhteiarov as its new executive director. She is scheduled to officially assume the leadership role on November 9, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a new chapter for the agency following the departure of former executive director Diana Jeffrey earlier this year. Bakhteiarov brings extensive experience from her previous roles in public housing and economic development to manage the agency's upcoming projects.
The agency board finalized the appointment with a 7-0 unanimous vote. This follows a $325,000 separation agreement finalized in April 2026 for the agency's former leader.
The players
Polina Bakhteiarov
She is the incoming executive director of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency with a background in housing and economic planning.
Diana Jeffrey
She is the former executive director of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency who now serves as corporation counsel in Hoboken.
Chris Fiore
He served as the acting executive director for the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency during the leadership transition.
The details
Bakhteiarov previously held positions at the New York City Housing Authority, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in Washington, D.C., and Invest Newark. She will take over duties from Chris Fiore, who has been serving as the agency's acting executive director.
Timeline
April 2026: Diana Jeffrey received a separation agreement.
August 2026: Diana Jeffrey was named Hoboken corporation counsel.
October 20, 2026: The agency board voted to appoint the new director.
November 9, 2026: Polina Bakhteiarov begins the executive director role.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition positions the agency to prioritize urban repositioning strategies similar to those used in larger metropolitan housing authorities. It signals a shift toward leveraging national best practices to manage the city's ongoing economic development initiatives.
Residents may see changes in the agency's approach to redevelopment projects and housing initiatives following the transition in leadership. The appointment ensures continuity in administration as the agency moves forward with its development goals.
The takeaway
The selection of a new executive director with experience in major metropolitan housing authorities suggests a focus on scaling redevelopment efforts. Local stakeholders should monitor upcoming board meetings to see how the new leadership influences ongoing agency projects.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit the Jersey City People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hudson County View.
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