Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) is proud to announce that our Executive Director and Co-Founder, Khaatim Sherrer-El, has been appointed to the City of Newark’s Equitable Growth Advisory Commission, joining a 15-member body of community leaders, policy experts, and advocates working to ensure that Newark’s development benefits all residents — especially those with limited economic means.

The Commission, created in 2018 under Mayor Ras J. Baraka, was designed to safeguard against displacement, promote inclusive development, and make sure the city’s growth is guided by equity and resident voice. Members advise on critical areas including housing policy, land use, public financing, and business development.

“Equitable growth isn’t just a theory for us, it’s the work we live and breathe every day in Clinton Hill,” said Sherrer-El. “Our community has seen the impact of disinvestment and now the pressure of redevelopment. My role on this Commission is to bring real-world, real-time knowledge from our neighborhoods into these policy conversations, so Newark’s future is built with — not over — its people.”

Khaatim’s appointment reflects CHCA’s deep commitment to resident-led change, from affordable housing advocacy to supporting small, local contractors, to building programs that strengthen community power and voice. His presence on the Commission ensures that the experiences and priorities of Clinton Hill residents are represented at the city’s decision-making table.

CHCA congratulates Khaatim on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued collaboration between neighborhood action and citywide policy to protect affordability, prevent displacement, and create opportunity for every Newark resident.

About Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA)

Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) is a nonprofit driving the revitalization of Newark’s Clinton Hill neighborhood in the South Ward. Founded in 2019, CHCA takes a resident-led approach to tackling long-standing challenges and sparking lasting change. We focus on affordable housing, food security, economic empowerment, community building, and environmental justice — building trust, amplifying community voice, and turning collaboration into action for a stronger, more equitable Clinton Hill.

For more information about the Sounds of the South Concert Series or to get involved with Clinton Hill Community Action, contact: Jaydeen DeCambre, Manager of Communications & Storytelling, (201)228-0757, Communications@clintonhillaction.org.