Mayor, City of Hoboken
Dawn Zimmer became the first woman to serve as mayor of the City of Hoboken in 2009. Prior to that, she served as a Councilwoman after becoming involved in civic life as an advocate for park space.
Zimmer led Hoboken through the difficult days of Superstorm Sandy. She is implementing an integrated, comprehensive flood resiliency plan to protect from rising seas and stronger storms and led the effort to secure $230 million for flood resiliency through the post-Sandy Rebuild by Design competition. Zimmer also secured funding to build a second flood pump to alleviate the flash flooding that occurs during heavy rain events. She created and is implementing a green infrastructure strategic plan to address flooding including rain gardens, bioswales, and new “resiliency parks” built with underground water detention chambers.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Sandia National Labs, Mayor Zimmer is building the foundation for a microgrid to improve energy resiliency.
She has been an outspoken advocate for changing federal and state regulations related to flood insurance, reconstruction funding, and building standards in order to meet the unique challenges and characteristics of urban communities.
Mayor Zimmer previously served on President Obama’s Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force and Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.