Department of Economic Development

Office of the Director

Director

Amy Wagner, Director and Deputy County Manager

Promotes and develops the planning and growth of the County of Union, through the implementation and coordination of all economic development plans and programs including matters affecting workforce investment, community development, and quality of housing.

Bureau of
Information Technologies

Diego Otero, Bureau Chief

Responsible for the County’s data center, wide-area high-speed network, and office technology.

Plans, develops and manages software applications to improve workflow processes in County offices.

Bureau of
ADA Compliance

Manuel E. Ramirez, Director

The Bureau of ADA Compliance shall ensure compliance with federal and state disability rights laws by the County and will assist municipalities and school districts within the County with training and guidance.

The Bureau monitors and assists the implementation of the County ADA Transition Plan to ensure full programmatic and communication accessibility to persons with disabilities.

The Bureau also monitors the County Employees Access and Inclusion Solution Process procedure for disability complaints.

Workforce Development
Board

Antonio Rivera, M.S.W., Director

Directs training investments to create sustainable jobs, develops marketing strategies to promote business services, and designs competitive economic and workforce policies.

Division of Community Services

Director

Phil Kandl, Division Director

Partners with communities and non-profit agencies to reduce the causes of poverty, increase job opportunities, economic security for individuals/families and revitalize communities.

Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.

Bureau of
Community Development

Oversees the federally funded Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). CDBG funds are used for a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, social service programs and improvements to community facilities.

Bureau of
Housing

  • Phone: 908-527-4213
  • Fax: 908-352-3980

Increases access to decent housing and suitable living environments for low and very-low income families through federally funded programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), the HOME Program, and CDBG program.

Division of Strategic Planning and Intergovernmental Relations

Director

Deana Mesaros, Division Director

Develops strategic plans for the County, focusing on economic competitiveness and growth, transportation, land use and sustainability.  Coordinates and aligns policies and initiatives across County departments and governmental agencies through outreach and shared services.

Office of
Business Development

Jeff Brooks, Coordinator

Bureau of
Transportation Planning

Liza Betz, Bureau Chief

Bureau of
Planning and Land Use

Kamal Saleh, Bureau Chief

Office of Community
Engagement and Diversity

Judith Guest, Coordinator

Office of
LGBTQ Affairs

Robert Charkowsky, Coordinator

  • E-mail: rcharkowsky@ucnj.org
  • Phone: 908-527-4897
  • Website: Click here

Office on
Women

Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator

Office of
Veterans Services

W. Geoff Smith , Coordinator

We Are One
New Jersey

Elizabeth Montes, Coordinator