Jersey City Redevelopment Agency Names New Director
The board's appointment of Polina Bakhteiarov signals upcoming changes to how the city manages redevelopment and land-use policy.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency board has unanimously appointed Polina Bakhteiarov as its new executive director. Bakhteiarov, who previously held senior roles at the New York City Housing Authority and Invest Newark, will assume the position on November 9, 2026.
Why it matters
This leadership transition signals a new direction for the agency's real estate and development strategy in Jersey City. Operators should monitor the board's upcoming policy shifts as the new director takes over from acting head Chris Fiore.
The agency board finalized the appointment with a 7-0 vote following the departure of Diana Jeffrey, who received a $325,000 separation agreement in April 2026. The new director brings experience managing portfolios like the 62,000 units previously overseen at the New York City Housing Authority.
The players
Polina Bakhteiarov
Incoming executive director for the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency with a background in housing authority management.
Jersey City Redevelopment Agency
Municipal body responsible for land-use policy, redevelopment projects, and urban economic development.
Diana Jeffrey
Former executive director of the agency who currently serves as corporation counsel in Hoboken.
Chris Fiore
Acting executive director who has led the agency during the leadership transition.
The details
The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency operates as a primary lever for municipal urban planning, managing land use and development contracts. Bakhteiarov enters the role with a background in business development and housing preservation, having previously worked in Washington, D.C. and Newark. Acting executive director Chris Fiore has been managing the agency during the leadership transition period.
Timeline
April 2026: Former executive director Diana Jeffrey received a separation agreement.
August 2026: Diana Jeffrey was named corporation counsel in Hoboken.
October 20, 2026: The JCRA board voted to appoint the new director.
November 9, 2026: Polina Bakhteiarov begins her tenure as executive director.
Market Landscape
This leadership appointment concludes the transition process initiated by the April 2026 departure of the former director. The move marks a definitive change in the agency's executive management following the $325,000 separation agreement finalized earlier this year.
Local operators and developers should prepare for potential shifts in agency project priorities as the new director takes office. Review pending development contracts and municipal project timelines, as leadership changes often precede updates to operational oversight.
The takeaway
The agency is moving into a new administrative phase under incoming leadership after months of interim management. Business owners should monitor the agency website for upcoming board meeting agendas and policy updates scheduled after the November 9, 2026 start date.
What happens next
Polina Bakhteiarov will officially assume her responsibilities as executive director on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For broader insights on municipal talent shifts, visit Jersey City People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hudson County View.
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