Movements worldwide continue to work towards a greener future and combat the effects of climate change. Trends like reusable straws, biking to work, and recycling are supposed to help protect the Earth and those who call it home. Here in New Jersey, the City of Hoboken decided to devote an entire department to making the city greener and preparing for the impacts of climate change by creating The Department of Climate Action + Innovation. Read on to learn about the actions the department is taking to combat climate change in the Mile Square City and how locals can get involved.
Hoboken’s Environmental History
When it rains in Hoboken, many locals flood social media with pictures and videos of streets underwater and the river whipping up along the waterfront. 70% of Hoboken residents live within a floodplain or a flat area of land around a river, the city reported in a press release, making it susceptible to flooding. Over the years, the city has implemented many measures to reduce storm damage and mitigate rising stormwaters. Following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, city leaders were dedicated to improving Hoboken infrastructure so as to be better prepared for future superstorms. In 2021, the city started the first phase of the $230 million Rebuild By Design project. This was just one of many projects laying the groundwork for the Department of Climate Action + Innovation.
Read More: A Guide to Recycling in Hoboken + Tips on Reducing Carbon Footprints
Background On The Department of Climate Action + Innovation
The Department of Climate Action and Innovation was launched at the beginning of January 2024. According to a press release from the City of Hoboken, the department aims to enhance sustainability efforts and protect the city from the impacts of climate change.
Chief Sustainability Officer Jennifer Gonzalez leads the department. She formerly served as Hobken’s Director of Environmental Services. During her time working with the city, her team helped develop Hoboken’s first Climate Action Plan that commits the city to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Some of the plans for the new department include building energy efficiency, urban tree canopy expansion, zero waste initiative implementation, stormwater and coastal flood risk management, and more.
Jennifer spoke with The Hoboken Girl about the work the city is doing preparing Hoboken and its vulnerable residents to adapt to the impacts of climate change. She says the largest source of greenhouse gas in Hoboken is commercial and residential energy, plus transportation and waste. To reduce emissions in these sectors, she says the department is prioritizing programs such as the Hoboken Renewable Energy Program, public electric vehicle charging, Zero Waste plan, electrifying municipal vehicles, and more.
To achieve these goals, Jennifer says the office plans to collaborate with other Hoboken city departments, non-profit groups, and private sector partners to create innovative and sustainable solutions. She’s excited to continue working towards making the city a greener and more sustainable space. In the next few months, Jennifer says they plan to update the Climate Action Plan, expand the community solar program, and work on community education for climate action and sustainability. “There is too much that we plan to accomplish this year to list,” Jennifer said.
The Impact of Flooding in Hoboken
Within the past year, Hoboken residents have waded through flooded streets to get around town after severe storms. The department plans on identifying more flood prevention measures that are environmentally friendly and save taxpayers money. Not only will increasing greenhouse gases bring rising sea levels, but it could also bring more frequent and intense storms, higher temperatures, and longer heat waves.
Jennifer says she gets excited about expanding resiliency parks in Hoboken. “They provide the recreation and green space that our community loves while helping Hoboken adapt to climate change impacts like more frequent and intense rain events,” she said. In 2024, she says the department plans on expanding the Southwest Resiliency Park. The plan aims to double the park’s size, manage 328,000 gallons of stormwater, and plant nearly 50 trees, according to Jennifer.
The ResilienCity Park, unveiled by Mayor Ravi Bhalla in 2023, is a tool the city uses to mitigate rainfall flooding. The basketball court doubles as a stormwater basin and can detain up to two million gallons of stormwater that otherwise could flood city streets and basements. After the storm event, the floodwaters are slowly released from under the parks into the sewer system. Jennifer says “this can reduce the extent and duration of flooding so that the streets clear quicker than they did in the past, or even prevent flooding on streets.”
Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate rising water have been noticed by other cities, with Hoboken being recognized as a climate action leader by CDP, a global environmental nonprofit, and the city’s efforts chronicled in a lengthy New York Times article. The article, which studied the impact of flood mitigation during a fall 2023 storm, touted Hoboken’s success in its multi-layered efforts. Per the NYT, by the end of the day of the storm, only three out of the city’s 270 intersections had standing water, the rest having been drained through different methods.
Jennifer tells The Hoboken Girl in just the last two years, “flood mitigation measures including green infrastructure, resiliency parks, and NHSA wet weather pumps have prevented flooding in 107 of 121 rain events, or 88% of storms.”
A New Energy Plan Taking Effect
The City of Hoboken announced a new strategy aimed toward enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on April 24th, 2024. The Community Energy Plan is part of the city’s push to promote sustainable energy in the future. It’s funded by a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities program, so it comes at no cost to Hoboken taxpayers.
“By strategically investing in initiatives that prioritize environmental responsibility and community well-being, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also bolstering the resilience and livability of our city,” said Mayor Bhalla, via a press release. The Community Energy Plan includes several community-level action projects, including energy efficiency upgrades to municipal buildings, outreach campaigns, building electric vehicle charging stations, transitioning municipal vehicles to electric vehicles, and more. The city says this plan goes along with the Climate Action Plan developed by the Department of Climate Action + Innovation.
See More: The Best New Jersey Gardens to Enjoy This This Spring + Summer
Going Green
While many of the office’s efforts are geared toward city operations, there are many opportunities to get involved. For residents looking to reduce their carbon footprint and go greener, Jennifer says there are a few programs to participate in. The Green Team is a group of volunteers who meet monthly, working towards promoting sustainability in Hoboken and completing work for the Sustainable Jersey state-wide program.
The Hoboken Renewable Energy Program works to provide clean, green energy at a lower price than PSE&G. The program began in March 2022 and continues to provide a cheaper, sustainable source of energy for people living in Hoboken. Residents can opt into the program online.
Finally, Jennifer says the best ways to help go green start at home. Choose to walk, bike, or use public transit to get around town. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and use the city’s composting program to divert food scraps from landfills. More information about the Department Of Climate Action and Innovation and sustainability resources can be found online or reach the department by email, at [email protected].
Your Ultimate Hudson County Bucket List for 2025
In Hudson County there are tons opportunities to have fun and explore. From catching a Red Bulls game at the Red Bulls Arena in Harrison to making it to one of Hoboken's most well-known restaurants, and historical monuments, there are plenty of must-do activities in the area. Keep reading for your ultimate Hudson County bucket list.
Bayonne
Snap a pic of the Bayonne Bridge — it connects Bayonne with Staten Island and is one of the longest-arched steel bridges in the world.
Visit the Robbins Reef Light Station — it is a lighthouse that was built in 1839 and can only be viewed from a distance, as it is not open to the public.
Go see the "Tear of Grief" monument, located in Harbor View Park in Bayonne.
Take a walk along the portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Bayonne and snap some great skyline photos.
Shop along Broadway Avenue, the city's main street, and spot the life-like statues and painted utility boxes.
Read More: 36 Hours in Hoboken: Here’s How to Spend Your Time
Harrison/Kearny
Catch a soccer match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
A neighborhood bar that serves up some seriously delicious Portuguese-meets-American dishes is Vinnie's in Harrison. A trip there is worth adding to your list in the new year.
For more things to do in Harrison, we have a list here.
Hoboken
Indulge in the roast beef special on Thursdays or Saturdays at the world-famous Fiore's Italian Deli.
The Annual Hoboken Mutz Fest, which takes place in April, is a must-do to try some of the best mutz in the area.
Indulge in zeppoles and fried Oreos at St. Ann's Feast in Hoboken, which happens every July.
Celebrate Pride Month during Hoboken's annual Pride celebrations.
Pay a visit to one of Hoboken's nationally recognized restaurants: Antique Bar + Bakery, Benny Tudino's, La Isla, Dino + Harry's, or Piccolo's, just to name a few. Here's a list of nationally recognized restaurants throughout Hudson County.
Visit Elysian Cafe — Hoboken's oldest continually operated bar/restaurant.
Take a ride on the NY Waterway Ferry to NYC and back to snap some seriously Instagram-worthy photos during the ride (plus, it's fun to be a tourist in your own neighborhood).
Take a self-guided Frank Sinatra walking tour around Hoboken to see the Mile Square through his eyes — and don’t forget to stop at the statue along the waterfront.
Visit the Hoboken Cove Boathouse in the summer to go kayaking for free on the Hudson River.
Take a walk along the Hoboken waterfront for breathtaking views of NYC (stop at Blue Eyes for equally good food with a view). Or check our list of restaurants located by the waterfront here.
Spend a summer afternoon or evening at Pier 13 (don’t forget to try one of the many delicious food trucks there, too).
Marvel at the gorgeous Gothic-style architecture at the Our Lady of Grace Church at 4th and Willow.
Watch a show at the Mile Square Theatre on Clinton Street, aptly named as it functions as Hoboken's performing arts center and theatre.
Visit the Hoboken Historical Museum for a chance to dive into the City's history.
Go indoor rock climbing at Gravity Vault, Hoboken's 25,000-square-foot rock-climbing center.
Take in the view and sit on the waterfront on Pier C, the manmade pier that juts out over the waterfront. This local spot provides amazing views of the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower.
Hoboken is home to the most bars and restaurants per capita — so, go on a cocktail tour.
Walk uptown to downtown to experience Hoboken in all its glory.
Pick up a sweet treat from Lepore's Chocolates in Hoboken.
Visit the Hoboken Terminal and spot the Beaux-Arts architecture style that was part of the building’s original design.
Spend a day perusing the shops and businesses inside the Monroe Center for the Arts.
During the summer, watch your favorite flicks at "Movies Under the Stars" at Pier A.
For lovers of baseball (and history buffs), pay a visit to Elysian Park — this is the spot where the first baseball game was ever played in America.
Take a few "Fitness in the Park" classes in the summer in Hoboken. These are free classes provided by local fitness studios all summer long.
Shop local vendors and listen to live music at the Hoboken Arts + Music Festival — it happens every spring and fall.
Do a food tour of Hoboken. Try out the best chicken parm, eat bagels, indulge in pizza, grab brunch, go for a coffee date, and check out the best Italian restaurants in town.
Take an experimental cooking class at Hudson Table.
Design your own shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Take yourself on a self-guided thrifting and vintage tour.
For a more in-depth Hoboken bucket list, see here.
Jersey City
Explore Jersey City's different neighborhoods — the Heights, Bergen-Lafayette, Journal Square, Paulus Hook, and Hamilton Park.
Go to the HDSID Farmer's Market in downtown Jersey City.
Pay your respects at the Empty Sky 911 Memorial.
Sunbathe in the grass or have a picnic in Liberty State Park.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Jersey City's annual Pride celebrations in August.
Pay a visit to one of Jersey City's nationally recognized restaurants: Bread + Salt, Battello, Porta, Korai Kitchen, Razza, and Hamilton Pork, to name a few.
Take an unofficial 'speakeasy' tour of Jersey City — hitting up all of the local 'underground' spots (including dullboy and The Archer, to name a few).
Nerd out at the Liberty Science Center. Plus, be sure to add the LSC After Dark events to your calendar (these events are all 21+ and a guaranteed fun time).
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Hop on one of the NYC Cycleboats that launch out of Jersey City during the warmer months.
Catch a live performance at JC's well-known White Eagle Hall.
For golf lovers, pay a visit to Skyway Golf Course.
Swing by the Riverview Farmer's Market on the last Sunday in October for the Dia De Los Muertos festival.
Take an evening in the summer to visit Groove on Grove to catch live music.
Enjoy an authentic + delicious Italian dinner at Laico's Restaurant. It's way off the beaten path and almost looks like a house, but trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Make a reservation at Italian restaurant 15 Fox Place — we promise the years long wait is worth it.
Head to White Mana for an unforgettable burger — the circular building was built as a pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair.
Take a quick day trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum from Liberty State Park. Although not technically Hudson County, it's a great place to visit to get a glimpse into the rich history of the area and the U.S.
Pretend you're in Night at the Museum and spend an evening at the Mana Contemporary Art Museum. This local museum has five floors of art exhibitions that are sure to keep you occupied for a few hours, minimum.
Indulge in some more amazing local art during the Jersey City Art + Studio Tour (JCAST), which happens annually in October.
Head to the All About Downtown Street Fair in September — it features tons of local vendors and more.
Visit the MORA Museum in Paulus Hook.
Design your own designer-quality handbag at Youssoufiani.
Explore all of the thrift and vintage stores Jersey City has to offer.
Go ice skating at Newport Skates this winter.
For a more in-depth Jersey City bucket list, see here.
Union City/Weehawken
Head to Charrito's in Weehawken and enjoy some seriously delicious Mexican food with a great view of the NYC skyline.
Fans of Hamilton, history buffs, and beyond — visit the Dueling Grounds. This historic spot is where Alexander Hamilton met his fate in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
In the summer, enjoy a meal on the outdoor deck at Molo's Restaurant.
Try the top-notch cocktails at the NoHu Bar, located inside the Envue Hotel in Weehawken.
Have a delicious meal at Chart House in Weehawken.
See More: The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
West New York/North Bergen/Secaucus
Take the trip to Snake Hill, an igneous rock intrusion jutting up from the floor of the Meadowlands at a bend in the Hackensack River.
Pay a visit to NJ Beer Co. and sample some local craft-brewed beer, located at 201 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen.
Visit Uncle Gordon's honey farm, a hidden backyard honey farm in North Bergen for some fresh, local honey.
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Visit the nationally-recognized Trattoria La Sorrentina in North Bergen.
Grab a bite to eat at Natoli’s Deli — a long-standing neighborhood deli in Secaucus.
Enjoy Jazz Brunch at Harry's Food + Drink in North Bergen.
