Jose Arango – Top Latino
Jersey City, NJ /LWW/ Mr. Jose Arango, Division Director for the Economic Development Authority of Jersey City, NJ, has been recognized by the Top Latinos in the 2026 edition.
Jose Arango is a dynamic leader and a dedicated public servant whose career spans decades of impactful work in economic development, politics, and community advocacy. Born in Havana, Cuba, on October 11, 1957, Arango’s journey is a testament to resilience, humility, and a commitment to serving others.
Arango’s roots trace back to Asturias, Spain, where his parents hailed from before relocating to Cuba. In the early 1960s, the family returned to Oviedo, Spain, before immigrating to the United States in 1973. Settling in West New York, New Jersey, Arango graduated from Memorial High School, marking the beginning of his American dream.
Since 1998, Jose Arango has served as the Director of Economic Development for Jersey City, a globally connected and multicultural hub. Under his leadership, Jersey City has flourished as a pro-commerce, innovation-driven community. Arango’s division facilitates business creation, retention, and redevelopment, offering guidance on navigating municipal permits, Urban Enterprise Zones, and real estate opportunities. His mission is clear: to help businesses thrive and contribute to Jersey City’s success story.
Arango’s efforts have also extended internationally. As a senior advisor to former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler, he played a pivotal role in establishing sister city relationships with Oviedo, Spain, and Dublin, Ireland, fostering global connections that reflect Jersey City’s diverse heritage.
Arango’s political journey began in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represented the 33rd district from 1986 to 1988. Riding the wave of Governor Thomas Kean’s popularity, Arango and his running mate achieved a historic victory in Hudson County, a traditionally Democratic stronghold. Though his re-election bid was unsuccessful, Arango’s influence in New Jersey politics only grew.
As the chair of the Hudson County Republican Organization since 2000, Arango has become a cornerstone of Republican leadership in the state. He has also served as chairman of the New Jersey Republican Chairs Association, amplifying his voice on statewide issues. Known for his pragmatic approach, Arango has focused on endorsing moderate, non-partisan candidates in local races, recognizing the unique political landscape of Hudson County.
A proud advocate for the Hispanic community, Arango has worked tirelessly to ensure equitable representation and opportunities for minorities. He is the founding member of Jersey City Global Charter School, driven by his belief that the Latino community deserves better access to quality education. “Jersey City Global Charter School is the biggest accomplishment that I have done in my life, as anything that I have done in the United States,” he proudly states.
Arango’s leadership is guided by his core values of humility, patience, and a genuine desire to help others. He credits his success to his ability to learn from those who disagree with him and his unwavering commitment to family and faith. As he often says, “You need religion to believe and family to support you.”
Jose Arango’s legacy is one of service, innovation, and bridge-building. Whether fostering economic growth in Jersey City, championing minority rights, or shaping the future of New Jersey politics, Arango’s work reflects his deep love for his community and his belief in the power of collaboration.
Through his humility, dedication, and vision, Jose Arango continues to inspire others to dream big and work hard to achieve success.
Top Latinos is a prestigious New York publication dedicated to honoring the achievements of the Latino community. They meticulously identify and honor outstanding Latino professionals nationwide who have reached impressive levels of success in their respective fields. By showcasing their accomplishments, they aim to foster growth and appreciation of the Latino industry and culture. Since their establishment in 2010, Top Latinos has been wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling their mission of bringing awareness to the exceptional contributions made by the Latino professional and executive community.