Since 2018,
Every decision made under Mayor Andre Sayegh’s leadership has been guided by heart, thought, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Paterson — no matter how tough the choices may be.
Paterson’s story is one of resilience and rebirth. Under Mayor Sayegh, the city has launched a bold era of progress, fueled by a vision that honors our cultural richness and shared dreams for the future.
Pathways to Progress
Our vision for Paterson’s future is built around four key pathways:
01
Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity
Creating real pathways to economic empowerment, education, and participation for every resident, no matter their background.
Through initiatives like the Guaranteed Income Program and the Financial Empowerment Center, Paterson is helping residents build lasting financial stability. New affordable housing complexes are providing safe, modern homes for families across the city, while re-entry programs are opening pathways to opportunity for returning citizens. The REAL Fix opioid program is setting a new standard for compassionate, community-centered addiction recovery.
02
Holistic Well-Being
Prioritizing health, safety, and emotional resilience through programs that serve the whole person and the whole community.
Paterson continues to lead with a people-first approach — ensuring that every initiative prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of our community. A powerful example: Paterson became a national leader in COVID-19 contact tracing and vaccination rates, protecting lives through swift, innovative action during a time of unprecedented crisis. This commitment to putting residents first remains at the core of every decision we make.
03
Quality of Life and Infrastructure
Revitalizing Paterson’s public spaces, parks, roads, and essential systems so that every neighborhood reflects the pride of its people
Parks are more than just swings and grass — they are the heart of our neighborhoods, places where community grows and futures are built. Thanks to strategic leadership and a focus on grant funding, Paterson has transformed public spaces across the city. Highlights include:
These investments are creating safer, more vibrant spaces for families, athletes, and neighbors to connect, play, and thrive — today and for generations to come
For the first time in decades, Paterson is making major investments in the basics that matter most. Under Mayor Sayegh’s leadership, over 100 roads have been resurfaced, and critical sewer lines — some untouched for generations — have been repaired or replaced. These infrastructure improvements are not only making neighborhoods safer and more connected, but also laying the groundwork for a stronger, more
resilient Paterson.
04
Digital Innovation and Modernization
Harnessing technology to make city services more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of today — and tomorrow.
Paterson is enhancing city operations through the strategic use of data and artificial intelligence. In partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University (GovEx), the City is working to refine services and deliver better outcomes for residents. Through the City Data Alliance, Paterson’s leadership receives extensive operational and technical coaching to harness data effectively — identifying community needs, improving service delivery, and shaping evidence-based policies. These efforts are driving meaningful improvements across critical areas, including healthcare access, affordable housing, public safety, and homelessness prevention.
Stories of Resilience
The impact of these efforts is best seen through the stories of Patersonians themselves:
Guaranteed Income Program
Initiated in 2021, Paterson’s Guaranteed Income Program provided $400 monthly to 110 residents, later expanding to 200 participants in 2023. The program led to increased financial stability, with recipients reporting higher savings, improved credit scores, and reduced stress. One participant, Dante, shared,
I have never been able to build credit at all… now my credit is like at 712
Financial Empowerment Center
The Paterson Financial Empowerment Center offers free, one-on-one financial counseling to reduce debt, increase credit scores and create a personal financial plan. Lidia, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, worked with the center to reduce debt, build credit, and ultimately purchase her first home, stating,
I am thankful for the FEC’s help in achieving my American Dream
Re-entry Services
Paterson provides comprehensive support for individuals re-entering society. Ms. M, after facing homelessness, secured employment and housing with assistance from the center, exemplifying the city’s commitment to second chances
REAL Fix Opioid Program
Addressing the opioid crisis, the REAL Fix program combines treatment and community engagement. If you can get a pizza delivered in 30 minutes, you should be able to get help for addiction just as fast. Paterson’s REAL Fix program reimagines recovery by connecting people to treatment quickly, compassionately, and without barriers — because when someone is ready for help, every second counts. Rolando Vazquez, a homeless man, took it upon himself to clean and protect Roberto Clemente Park, demonstrating the program’s impact on fostering community responsibility
Major Milestones of Progress
Paterson is not just moving forward — it’s transforming:
Reopening Hinchliffe Stadium
After sitting dormant for more than 26 years, one of only two remaining Negro League stadiums in the country has been reborn.
Today, Hinchliffe is home to sports for our students, the New Jersey Jackals minor league baseball team, the Jersey Shore Wave women’s football and soccer leagues — a symbol of history, pride, and opportunity for future generations. The Charles Muth Museum recently opened through a partnership with Montclair State University and features exhibits that showcase the rich history of Hinchliffe Stadium, including its role as a Negro League Baseball Stadium.
Reducing Abandoned Properties by 80%
Through aggressive action and strategic investment, we have turned blight into opportunity, bringing life back to once-forgotten neighborhoods.
Revitalizing Parks and Playgrounds
From brand-new playgrounds to completely revamped recreational facilities, we have invested in green spaces across every ward, giving Paterson families safe places to gather, play, and grow.
Upgrading Roads and Infrastructure
We’ve resurfaced countless miles of roads and repaired sewer lines that had been neglected for decades — laying the foundation, literally, for a stronger, safer city.
The Work
Ahead
Our story isn’t finished —
it’s just getting started.
Mayor Sayegh’s vision for Paterson remains clear:
A city where
opportunity
is everywhere.
A city where
public spaces
reflect the pride of its people.
A city that embraces
its history
while boldly shaping its future.
About Mayor
Andre Sayegh
Born and raised in Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh has built a career around service to the city he loves.
A proud graduate of Seton Hall University and Columbia University, Mayor Sayegh first served on the Board of Education for 4 years and the Paterson City Council for a decade before being elected mayor in 2018.
The son of immigrant parents, a husband to Farhanna, and a father to three beautiful children, Mayor Sayegh’s leadership is driven by personal
experience, cultural pride, and a deep belief that Paterson’s best days are ahead.
Watch: A Message from
Mayor Sayegh
Support Paterson’s
Progress
Help fuel the future. Every contribution to Friends of Andre Sayegh strengthens his ability to transform lives across our city.
Paterson’s future is
bright — because it
belongs to all of us.
Together, we can continue to transform Paterson into a city where opportunity and community flourish.