Elliott Ruga

Elliott Ruga from Boonton, NJ is a visual communicator, environmental advocate, and policy strategist with deep experience in conservation and public engagement. For over three decades, he has worked at the interface of media, land use regulation, and civic discourse, helping to shape public understanding of environmental challenges and decisions. His work includes technical video production, legislative lobbying, and editorial writing — tools he uses to support transparency and accessibility in environmental governance.

He is currently active with the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, where his efforts are focused on protecting water resources, land integrity, and equitable access to open space. Ruga has contributed to numerous state-level policy initiatives, published widely in regional newspapers, and received two Sports Emmy Awards for technical achievement during his tenure in Olympic broadcast media. He is known for bringing a layered visual approach to otherwise opaque issues, designing materials and messages that connect people to policy.

His values emphasize clarity over complexity, accessibility over jargon, and regional stewardship over short-term gain. He believes environmental decisions should be visible, navigable, and inclusive. His work continues to support coalitions, communities, and public networks that care about the long-term health of shared landscapes.