Things feel a little different in the Borough Hall these days. If you’ve been following the local scene, you know that Tinton Falls recently closed a massive chapter in its history. For years, the story of the Tinton Falls NJ mayor was synonymous with Vito Perillo, the World War II veteran who famously became the "oldest mayor in America." But as of early 2026, the torch has officially been passed, and Risa Clay is now the person steering the ship.
It wasn’t just a simple election swap. It was a moment of real transition for a town that had grown very comfortable with a centenarian at the helm.
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The End of the Perillo Era
Honestly, it’s hard to talk about the current state of the mayor's office without acknowledging how we got here. Vito Perillo passed away in February 2025 at the age of 100. He wasn't just a figurehead; he was a guy who ran for office at 93 because he was annoyed about his property taxes. That resonated with people. He won his first term by 300 votes and stayed in the seat until the very end.
When he passed, the Borough Council had a big decision to make. They needed someone who could bridge the gap between Perillo's old-school fiscal conservatism and the modern needs of a growing Monmouth County suburb. They chose Risa Clay to serve as interim mayor in March 2025.
Who is Risa Clay?
Risa Clay isn't a career politician, which seems to be a trend in Tinton Falls that residents actually like. She spent nearly three decades in public education, notably serving as the principal of Red Bank Regional High School for ten years.
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You might notice something unique when she speaks. Mayor Clay has a condition called spasmodic dysphonia. It’s a neurological disorder that affects the vocal cords, making the voice sound a bit strained or breathy. It’s the same condition Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has. Instead of hiding it, she’s been incredibly open about it, using her platform to advocate for others with vocal disorders. It’s that kind of transparency that helped her "Team Tinton Falls" ticket sweep the nonpartisan municipal elections in November 2025.
What’s on the Mayor’s Desk in 2026?
So, what does the Tinton Falls NJ mayor actually do all day? In a borough with about 19,000 people, the job is basically a mix of high-level budgeting and "where is the snowplow?" management.
Currently, the administration is focused on a few heavy hitters:
- Property Tax Stability: This was Perillo’s "holy grail," and Clay has kept the momentum. The borough recently managed to reduce the municipal tax rate while keeping a fiscally responsible budget.
- Infrastructure and Parks: There’s been a fresh push for grant money. Recently, the town secured about $325,000 in grants that are being funneled into local sports programs, the library, and first responders.
- The Reorganization of 2026: Just this January, the town held its annual reorganization meeting. This is where the rubber meets the road—appointing directors of law, public works, and filling seats on the planning and zoning boards.
The "Team Tinton Falls" Vision
Clay didn't run alone. Her victory in November was a joint effort with Councilmen Greg Alessi, Kash Parikh, and Lawrence Neis. This group, known as "Team Tinton Falls," has a pretty clear agenda: smart growth.
Tinton Falls has a lot of open space compared to its neighbors, and everyone is terrified of over-development. The mayor's current strategy involves balancing the need for new revenue with the desire to keep the town's "woodsy" feel. They’re looking at redevelopment projects that make sense for the 2026 economy without turning every corner into a massive apartment complex.
Navigating Local Governance
If you want to get involved or just see the Tinton Falls NJ mayor in action, you don’t have to wait for an election. The Borough Council meetings are held twice a month on Tuesday nights at 556 Tinton Avenue.
The meetings are generally pretty civil, but that doesn't mean they aren't lively. People show up to talk about everything from "Chicken Permits" (yes, that was a recent topic) to major land-use ordinances. Clay’s style is much like her principal days—structured, listening-heavy, and focused on finding a middle ground.
One thing most people get wrong about the mayor’s role is thinking they have absolute power. In Tinton Falls, we have a "Mayor-Council" form of government. The mayor is the chief executive, but the council holds the legislative power. They have to play nice to get anything done.
Actionable Insights for Residents
Living in Tinton Falls means you have a direct line to the people making decisions about your backyard. If you’re looking to stay updated or influence local policy, here are the most effective steps you can take:
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1. Watch the Reorganization Minutes
The January 2026 meeting set the stage for the entire year. Check the official borough website for the "R-26" series of resolutions. This tells you exactly who was appointed to the Planning Board and Environmental Commission—these are the people who will decide what gets built near your house.
2. Sign up for the "E-News" Alerts
The mayor’s office uses the borough's official website to push out "Official Borough Announcements." This is where you’ll hear about budget presentations or changes in trash collection before they hit the local Facebook groups (where the information is usually 50% wrong anyway).
3. Utilize the "Public Discussion" Portion of Meetings
Every council meeting has a spot for the public to speak. If you have a concern about a specific intersection or a new development, that is the legally recorded time to make your voice heard.
4. Follow the Grant Funding
Keep an eye on how the recently awarded $325,000 is being spent. The mayor’s administration has pledged these funds for the library and sports programs. If you're involved in local youth sports, now is the time to engage with the Parks and Recreation Department to see how those funds are being allocated for field improvements.
The Tinton Falls NJ mayor position is currently in a phase of modernization. While the ghost of Vito Perillo’s legendary frugality still haunts the halls—in a good way—Risa Clay is carving out a path that focuses on community health, transparent communication, and long-term planning. It’s a transition that has, so far, been remarkably smooth for a town that doesn't usually like change.