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Government · Jersey City

Infrastructure Head Says Unfilled Positions Delaying Projects, Accounting Has Been Fixed

Source: Jersey City Times · Jul 31, 2026, 5:55 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Jersey City's Infrastructure Department defended its proposed $7.65 million operating budget for 2026—more than double the previous year's $3.08 million allocation—before the City Council on Wednesday.

Infrastructure Director Andy Kaplan attributed much of the increase to accounting corrections, explaining that certain costs had been improperly excluded from prior budgets.

The department also cited unfilled positions as a factor delaying various infrastructure projects. The hearing highlighted ongoing efforts to properly account for and fund the city's infrastructure needs while managing staffing challenges that continue to impact project timelines.

Key points

  • Jersey City Infrastructure Department's 2026 budget request is $7.65 million, more than double the 2025 allocation of $3.08 million
  • Infrastructure Director Andy Kaplan attributed the significant increase to corrected accounting that had previously excluded certain costs
  • Unfilled departmental positions are cited as a reason for delays in infrastructure projects
  • The department presented its budget defense before the City Council on Wednesday

FAQ

Why did the Infrastructure Department budget nearly double?
According to Director Andy Kaplan, much of the increase stems from accounting corrections. Certain costs had been improperly excluded from prior budgets, and the 2026 proposal reflects more accurate accounting of departmental needs and expenses.
What is affecting the progress of infrastructure projects?
Unfilled positions within the Infrastructure Department are cited as a contributing factor to project delays. The department has not provided specific details about which positions remain vacant or how many vacancies exist.
What was the 2025 Infrastructure Department budget?
The Infrastructure Department's 2025 budget allocation was $3.08 million, significantly less than the proposed 2026 figure of $7.65 million.

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