Assad Mujtaba Outlines Economic Plan for Clifton, Pledges Tax Freeze and Traffic Improvements
CLIFTON, N.J. — City Council candidate Assad Mujtaba has outlined an economic development agenda focused on improving affordability, strengthening local businesses, reducing traffic congestion, expanding city services, and freezing property taxes. In a candidate op-ed published October 7, 2026, Mujtaba emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan that addresses the financial pressures facing Clifton residents while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Mujtaba, who operates a medical clinic in Clifton and served as a local COVID-19 health center during the pandemic, said his experience in healthcare had reinforced the importance of listening to people, identifying problems, and developing practical solutions. He argued that residents deserve the same responsive and attentive approach from their local government.
A central component of his proposed agenda is updating Clifton’s master plan to better coordinate economic development, transportation infrastructure, and municipal services with the city’s affordability needs. He said the city should create a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs, help existing businesses expand, and encourage investment in vacant commercial properties.
To advance these objectives, Mujtaba proposed establishing a citywide Economic Development Task Force. The proposed body would work to attract major businesses, support small enterprises, and coordinate commercial growth with improvements to local infrastructure and traffic management. He stressed that development proposals should be evaluated according to their benefits for the community, including their impact on public infrastructure and taxpayers.
Addressing traffic congestion, Mujtaba said crowded roads disrupt daily routines and make it more difficult for customers to reach local businesses. He pledged to advocate for a targeted review of congested corridors, with an emphasis on improving traffic flow, coordinating traffic signals, and strengthening pedestrian safety. He also highlighted the importance of working with county and state authorities when necessary.
On property taxes, Mujtaba said achieving a tax freeze would require disciplined budgeting, responsible spending, and a stronger commercial revenue base. He called for greater accountability in municipal expenditures, proposing that spending decisions be accompanied by clear explanations of their costs and expected benefits for residents.
Mujtaba said his campaign would prioritize household affordability and responsive government, drawing on his experience serving patients as a model for addressing residents’ concerns. He emphasized careful listening, timely responses, and consistent follow-through as essential elements of effective local leadership.
Concluding his op-ed, Mujtaba expressed his vision of a Clifton where economic opportunities expand, daily life becomes easier, and families can afford to remain in the community.
His proposed agenda places economic growth, transportation improvements, fiscal discipline, and property-tax stability at the center of his campaign for Clifton City Council.