Filipino American Mayor Arvin Amatorio guides Bergenfield, New Jersey, with a focus on infrastructure, wellness and community trust.
BERGENFIELD, NEW JERSEY — Arvin G. Amatorio, a Filipino-born immigration lawyer who built his career helping families navigate America’s immigration system, now leads one of New Jersey’s most diverse suburban communities as mayor of Bergenfield. His administration reflects both the values of representation and the practical demands of local governance.
From immigrant lawyer to public servant
Born in Baler, Aurora in the Philippines, Amatorio studied economics at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and earned his law degree from San Sebastian College-Recoletos in Manila. He later immigrated to the United States, where he established his practice in New York and New Jersey specializing in immigration law.
He has often said that his work with immigrant families shaped his approach to public service. “The law is about helping people through difficult transitions,” he once explained. “That same principle guides my work in government.”
Building a career in Bergenfield government
Amatorio entered public service as a member of the Bergenfield Borough Council, where he served two terms and was twice elected council president.
In 2019, he won the mayoral race against incumbent Norman Schmelz and took office in 2020. He was reelected for a second term that runs from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027, according to the Borough of Bergenfield’s official records.
A community shaped by diversity
Bergenfield is a borough in Bergen County with a population of about 28,000 people based on the 2020 U.S. Census. It is home to a large Filipino American community along with Latino and Korean residents, making it one of the most diverse municipalities in northern New Jersey.
Amatorio’s rise from immigrant lawyer to local leader has made him a symbol of representation in a borough where many families trace their roots to other countries.
Governance focused on access and modernization
Bergenfield operates under a “weak mayor, strong council” form of government, which requires collaboration among elected officials.
Amatorio has used this structure to advance infrastructure and community access initiatives. He holds public office hours on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment to encourage direct engagement with residents.
Among the borough’s notable projects is the construction of a new Borough Hall on North Washington Avenue. The facility is designed to centralize public services and make municipal offices more accessible. The project was developed during his first term and represents a long-term investment in local government facilities.
Promoting community wellness
Amatorio has supported the borough’s Mayor’s Wellness Committee, which is part of a statewide initiative that promotes physical fitness and public health through local programs.
Under his leadership, Bergenfield has organized community activities such as neighborhood walks, school health campaigns, and senior exercise sessions. These efforts reflect his belief that wellness and public safety go hand in hand.
Inclusion and public trust
Amatorio’s time in office has underscored Bergenfield’s commitment to diversity and community safety.
In October 2025, following a local assault incident, the borough issued a statement clarifying that investigators had determined the attack was a random act and not a hate crime. Amatorio urged residents to remain united and vigilant, emphasizing that Bergenfield continues to be “a welcoming and inclusive community”.
Supporting small businesses and local growth
The mayor has also supported revitalization efforts along Washington Avenue, Bergenfield’s main commercial corridor.
The borough’s Special Improvement District program encourages investment in family-owned shops and restaurants that reflect the town’s multicultural character. Amatorio has stressed that economic growth should benefit long-time residents as well as new entrepreneurs.
Priorities for 2025 to 2027
As Bergenfield continues to move forward, Amatorio’s administration is focused on practical goals that serve residents directly. His priorities include improving pedestrian and road safety, expanding wellness and senior programs, and maintaining fiscal discipline in local projects.
He has also committed to strengthening community partnerships with Filipino, Latino, and Asian American organizations to promote greater civic participation and cultural understanding.
The quiet strength of representation
Arvin Amatorio’s journey from the Philippines to the mayor’s office in New Jersey reflects the quiet strength of representation and the power of local governance to build trust across cultures.
His leadership style is practical, collaborative, and grounded in service. In Bergenfield, his legacy will be measured not only in public works and policies but also in the sense of belonging that his residents feel in their own community.
