Azad Strategies

Policy Focused • Politically Strategic • People Powered

Progressive policy is a political advantage.

We help progressive leaders turn bold ideas into actionable policy, build people-powered political movements, and deliver meaningful, lasting change for the communities they serve.

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Azad Strategies logo: a walking tiger with the word Azad formed in its stripes

Why Azad

आज़ाद آزاد

Azad (adj.) — Free. Liberated. Independent.

Rooted in South Asia’s struggle for independence from colonial rule, the name Azad reflects our belief that politics should be a vehicle for expanding freedom, opportunity, and dignity for all.

We reject the notion that progressive candidates must choose between bold policy and political viability. The most transformative ideas are also the most politically compelling.

Archival black-and-white photograph of a large crowd marching on foot

Our Belief

Policy isn’t the afterthought. It can be the strategy.

Campaigns too often treat policy as something to articulate after the political strategy has already been determined. We see it differently. A policy agenda should speak directly to the everyday struggles of working people, tell them what they stand to gain, and offer a concrete vision for a better future.

An ambitious, people-powered agenda gives voters a reason to organize and vote, gives elected leaders a mandate to act, and gives the public a way to hold them accountable.

A smiling man in a dark suit with his hands clasped

What We Do

Where policy development meets political strategy.

We serve progressive candidates, elected officials, and advocacy organizations at the local, state, and federal levels.

01

Platform Development

Comprehensive, politically popular policy agendas for campaigns and governing offices, from issue prioritization to original policy proposals.

02

Policy Communications

Complex proposals translated into accessible, persuasive messaging: campaign-ready language, op-eds, talking points, and announcements.

03

Legislative Strategy

Bill and executive-order development, coalition-building, hearing preparation, stakeholder engagement, and legislative navigation.

04

Policy Research & Memoranda

Decision-ready analysis of trade-offs, feasibility, and actionable options on the policy areas that matter to you.

Principal’s Past Experience

Selected work.

  • Immigrant Protections

    Developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive municipal immigrant protection frameworks, strengthening safeguards against ICE in Jersey City.

  • Affordable Housing & Tenants’ Rights

    Drafted Jersey City’s rent control audit, identifying 20,000+ rent-controlled units, and advanced Illinois Housing Development Authority reforms incentivizing transit-oriented development.

  • Energy Affordability

    Drafted legislation and strategic communications addressing rising electricity costs, grid modernization, and energy demand.

  • Inclusive & AI-Proof Economy

    Developed a comprehensive legislative package expanding employment pathways and educational opportunities for neurodiverse New Jerseyans.

Selected projects reflect the principal’s prior professional experience and are not products of Azad Strategies LLC.

Dhruv Kapadia speaking

Meet the Principal

Strategist. Policymaker. Community organizer.

Dhruv Kapadia (he/him) is a progressive policy and political strategist, elected school board member, and South Asian community organizer whose work spans local, state, and federal politics.

He began his political career at 16 as an organizer in Hopewell, New Jersey, mobilizing students and community members to advocate for anti-racist reforms in the public schools he attended. At 21, he became the youngest and first South Asian elected member of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education.

Dhruv previously served as Legislative Director to New Jersey State Senator Andrew Zwicker, Dukakis Summer Fellow to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Transition Term Fellow to Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, and a planning staffer to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. He is also Political & Organizing Director of SAATH, a Gen Z-led South Asian civic organization.

He is a Master in Public Policy candidate at Harvard Kennedy School and holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science, with a minor in Statistics, from Boston University.

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Working With Us

Engagements built around your needs.

Focused Deliverables

Project-Based

Targeted expertise for a defined project, priority, or moment in your campaign.

  • Full platforms or individual policy planks
  • Op-eds, talking points, and announcements
  • Targeted policy research and memoranda

Fixed project fee, based on scope

Ongoing Partnership

Monthly Retainer

Consistent policy and strategic support as your campaign or governing agenda evolves.

  • Platform and policy development
  • Research memos and messaging refinement
  • Strategic guidance and advisory calls

Monthly fee, three-month minimum

Two men in suits embracing at a gathering

Work With Azad

Let’s build a freer future.

Whether launching a campaign, drafting a policy agenda, or preparing to govern, Azad brings policy depth and political perspective to the table. Every engagement begins with a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

Email Dhruv Kapadia