Deb Engel

Deb Engel is a community builder, entrepreneur, and former Maplewood Deputy Mayor running for Essex County Commissioner to confront the affordability challenges facing residents across the county.

A working single mother of three, Deb has spent her career bringing people together to solve problems, launch new initiatives, and strengthen local communities. She served three years on the Maplewood Township Committee, including one year as Deputy Mayor, where she built a reputation for collaborative leadership, practical solutions, and a focus on results.

During her time in office, Deb helped reinvigorate a long-stalled project securing easements for a pedestrian pathway connecting Maplewood and South Orange, championed a regional public health services agreement between the two towns, and established Maplewood’s first Public Information Officer position to improve transparency and communication between government and residents. She also championed Complete Streets initiatives that prioritized safer streets, bike lanes, and pedestrian safety.

Before entering public service, Deb founded two innovative local businesses that supported working parents, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Her first startup, Work and Play, was among the first coworking spaces in the world to offer licensed childcare. She later co-founded the General Store Cooperative, a collaborative retail model that incubated more than 30 small businesses and helped strengthen local downtown economies.

Deb believes government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering practical solutions that improve everyday life for Essex County residents.

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