Barkha is the Director of Infrastructure for the City of Jersey City, NJ, one of the most densely-populated, transit-rich, and ethnically diverse cities in the US.
She oversees the planning, design, and implementation of the City’s critical public infrastructure including all municipal streets, transit, parks, public spaces, buildings, and other public facilities. She serves as a senior advisor to the Mayor and leads the City’s Architecture, Engineering, Transportation, Sustainability, and Innovation agencies.
As a public official and advocate, Barkha’s work is rooted in a commitment to justice, equity and smart growth. She is responsible for the implementation of many of Jersey City’s most transformational initiatives including the City’s first Vision Zero and Climate Action plans, first on-demand microtransit system, a robust network of protected bikeways and safe streets, a renowned public plaza program, and a number of award-winning placemaking projects. As her portfolio expands, she is currently exploring ways to infuse joy and dignity into the public realm through meaningful infrastructure improvements.
Barkha previously served as Jersey City’s Deputy City Manager and Director of Transportation, and earned a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University.
Events
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Bike Walk NC
9.23.24
Barkha will share how cities can optimize their existing rights of way to create more safe, sustainable, and inclusive transportation infrastructure and, as a result, eliminate traffic fatalities on their streets.
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Bike Walk Roll Summit
9.13.24
Barkha will be speaking about her work implementing bike infrastructure and Vision Zero initiatives in Jersey City. She’ll be sharing lessons for advocates to apply to their own communities for safer streets.
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Strong Towns
5.15.24
Barkha will deliver the keynote address at the Strong Towns National Gathering. The talk will focus on infusing joy and dignity into the public realm through intentional design and implementation practices.