About Councilman Brooks

Jeff Brooks serves as Council President and Councilman-at-Large for the City of Rahway, New Jersey, where he has lived for nearly three decades. Known for his thoughtful leadership and strong commitment to community engagement, Jeff plays an active role in shaping policy and strengthening partnerships that improve the quality of life for Rahway residents. He currently serves as the Council Liaison to Public Safety and as the City Council Liaison to the Rahway Social Justice Commission.

Jeff earned his Master of Public Administration from Kean University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of the prestigious Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Administration, recognizing his academic excellence and dedication to public service. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Seton Hall University and a second Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kean University.

Jeff’s passion for public service was ignited following his graduation from Seton Hall University in 2008, when he served as a field organizer on the Barack Obama presidential campaign. That experience deepened his commitment to civic engagement and community advocacy, leading to impactful roles across the nonprofit, political, and public sectors.

Prior to serving on the City Council, Jeff worked as a long-term substitute teacher and safety officer at Rahway High School, where he championed youth empowerment and student safety. He later served as the City of Rahway’s first Coalition Coordinator for the Rahway Prevention Coalition, helping to develop programs aimed at reducing underage drinking and substance misuse while fostering healthier environments for young people.

Jeff has long been an advocate for second chances and equitable opportunity. He regularly organizes expungement clinics that help individuals clear eligible records and move forward with employment and housing opportunities. Through his work in business development and housing advocacy, he has also helped connect Rahway residents to critical resources, including rental assistance programs that have provided nearly $100,000 in support to local families.

In addition to his elected role, Jeff serves in the Union County Department of Economic Development, where he works to support small businesses, strengthen local economies, and promote collaboration between municipalities and regional partners.

Jeff has previously served as the inaugural Co-Chairperson of the Rahway Social Justice Commission, a Commissioner on the City of Rahway Planning Board, and a member of the Union County Advisory Board for the Status of Minorities.

Now in his fourth year of service on the Rahway City Council, Jeff continues to focus on policies that promote public safety, economic opportunity, and inclusive community growth. He resides in Rahway’s Third Ward with his wife, Lian Brooks, and remains deeply committed to ensuring Rahway is a safe, equitable, and welcoming place for all.