In the bustling heart of New Jersey, a quiet revolution is taking place. For too long, Trenton’s South Ward has been a symbol of urban neglect, its streets marred by potholes, its parks overgrown, and its residents feeling forgotten. But in the past two years, a remarkable transformation has begun, spearheaded by a dedicated public servant who has proven that local government can indeed work for the people.

Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg, a daughter of the South Ward, has breathed new life into a community that many had written off. Since taking office in December 2022, she has tackled the unglamorous yet vital issues that form the bedrock of urban quality of life. From managing overgrown trees to repaving streets, her hands-on approach has addressed the everyday concerns that have long plagued Trenton’s residents.

The results speak for themselves. Over two dozen streets have been repaved, with more slated for improvement in 2025. Illegal dumping, once a scourge of the neighborhood, has been met with increased fines and stricter enforcement. Dangerous properties, long eyesores and hazards, have been demolished, making way for new possibilities.

But Figueroa Kettenburg’s vision extends beyond mere infrastructure. The reopening of the South Ward Senior Center and the potential transformation of the Skelton Library into a community hub demonstrate a commitment to the social fabric of the ward. These spaces are not just buildings; they are incubators of community, places where generations can come together, learn, and grow.

Perhaps most tellingly, the revitalization of Orange Street Park stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local government listens to its constituents. Once a neglected space, it now buzzes with the laughter of children, a green oasis in the urban landscape.

The Councilwoman’s approach is not just about quick fixes. Her support for the city’s first Project Labor Agreement shows a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of community well-being and economic opportunity. By prioritizing local hires, she’s ensuring that the ward’s physical improvements translate into tangible benefits for its residents.

As Trenton looks to the future, the South Ward offers a blueprint for urban renewal that other cities would do well to study. It’s a story of how dedicated public service, attentive to the needs of all residents, can transform a community from within.

The upcoming election on December 3 is more than a political contest; it’s a referendum on progress. It’s an opportunity for the residents of the South Ward to affirm their commitment to the positive changes they’ve witnessed and to the promise of what’s yet to come.

In a time when cynicism about government runs deep, Councilwoman Figueroa Kettenburg’s tenure offers a refreshing counter narrative.

It reminds us that with the right leadership, local government can be a powerful force for good, capable of improving lives in tangible, meaningful ways.

The story of Trenton’s South Ward is far from over, but the chapters written under Figueroa Kettenburg’s leadership have been ones of hope, progress, and renewed pride. As the ward stands at this crossroad, its residents have the power to ensure that this story of revival continues, not just for themselves, but as an inspiration for urban communities everywhere.

Marge Caldwell-Wilson is the former North Ward Councilwoman and Campaign Chair.