MAYOR BARAKA PRESENTS 12TH STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AT NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Themed “Our City, Our Story — Newark Then, Now, and Next”

highlights city’s progress and outlines bold vision for its future 

 

Newark, NJ – March 31, 2026 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka delivered his 12th annual State of the City Address tonight, in a dynamic speech to an enthusiastic crowd assembled at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, located at 1 Center Street in the city’s downtown.

 

The evening began with a welcome from Council Member Luis A. Quintana, followed by the invocation delivered by Reverend Marques-Aquil Lewis. The Newark Honor Guard presented the colors before the Arts High School Choir rendered the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

 

Mayor Baraka opened his address with his intention to, “in the face of so much ‘ugly,’ present to you the beauty of our city today and tomorrow…. to show you our labor of love…We know movements are created out of feelings of love and enormous sacrifice. And we are standing on the shoulders of generations of families, workers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders that have shaped the identity of our city and fought to ensure its future. They did this oftentimes with very little, and alongside those that attempted to define our city by its challenges. And as they did then, we are continuing forward, defining our city ourselves—out of resilience, determination, and our ability to rise out of seemingly insurmountable obstacles stronger every time.”

 

Under the theme, “Our City, Our Story—Newark Then, Now, and Next,” the address reflected on Newark’s transformation, and interweaved historical context for the collaborative advancements and accomplishments of the Mayor’s three-term administration. Focusing on achievements that have made Newark a national model of next-level governance in many areas, Mayor Baraka recognized a wide variety of people who are driving progress, have experienced the benefits of the City’s success in 2025, and setting the course for the next chapter.

 

Through the mayor’s remarks, projected slides, and emotional video presentations, the event provided an opportunity for residents, business leaders, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to learn with visceral impact, the progress the City of Newark has made. Mayor Baraka shared the limelight with a full roster of residents and staff who embody the city’s indominable spirit. He presented proclamations on stage to both the Malcom X. Shabazz High School Boys Basketball Team and the Arts High School Girls Basketball Team for each winning their 2026 Group 1 State Championship.

 

A PDF copy of the speech is attached. Check the City of Newark’s website for Spanish and Portuguese translations, which will be made available in the coming days.

 

The speech and accompanying State of the City report highlighted accomplishments in the following areas:

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

• The Newark Consent Decree, a court-enforced agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the City of Newark to reform certain policies and practices of the Newark Police Department, ended in 2025. After nine years of reform, Newark successfully completed the federal Department of Justice Consent Decree, proving that accountability and community trust lead to safer outcomes.
• Recorded the lowest murder rate since 1953, marking a historic milestone in the city’s progress toward safer neighborhoods. Violent crime declined significantly, including a 36% reduction in non-fatal shootings.
• Newark Police Academy graduated 92 officers.
• Newark Police Division achieved 6,000 confirmed ballistics hits in 2025, a major milestone that recognizes Newark’s Ballistics Unit as a top-performing investigatory agency in matching firearms to violent crimes nationwide.
• Launched Drone First Responder Program resulting in 22 successful drone pursuits and 40 arrests. Launched Drone First Responder Program resulting in 22 successful drone pursuits and 40 arrests.
• Newark Fire Division purchased 137 thermal imaging cameras and established a drone response unit.

OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND TRAUMA RECOVERY (OVPTR)

Now replicated throughout the nation, including statewide from Trenton, Newark’s OVPTR received a seven percent increase in referrals from the Police Division, to total 3,021 in 2025.

 

Stabilizing neighborhoods, supporting victims, and preventing violence before it occurs, OVPTR supported the public safety ecosystem to reduce homicides from last year’s total of 37 to 2025’s 31.

 

OVPTR’s Newark Street Academy

• Engaged more than 1200 youth
• Graduated 870 youth
• Helped 141 youth earn GED credentials

Under a carousel of projected graphics, Mayor Baraka proclaimed, “Our gold standard model in violence, intervention and prevention, OVPTR, continues to play a central role in prevention and, more importantly, healing. Often, we look at some of the people involved and are quick to judge their efforts. But their outcomes are real and sustainable. Redemption and salvation are not only for the favorite few. It's the work we do daily, to help those that need it the most, that defines us – not how loud we speak at council meetings or the number of people we tear down!”

 

YOUTH & EDUCATION

• City provided 2,712 paid summer jobs for Newark youth, connecting young people to real-world experience and career pathways.
• Reached historic milestone for the Guaranteed Education Program:
  • 18 students will graduate — the first cohort in the program’s history
  • 40 students enrolled at Saint Elizabeth University
  • 10 students enrolled at Rutgers University.
• Recreation centers recorded over 45,000 youth visits, providing safe, structured environments for learning, mentorship, and growth.

SENIOR SERVICES EXPAND

• Newark strengthened support systems for the City’s senior population and expanded access to essential services.
  • Achieved an 80% increase in senior participation
  • Executed 50+ large-scale special events
  • Sustained daily transportation operations
  • Enhanced health and wellness programming with structured exercise offerings

PUTTING FAMILY FIRST

• 61,000 families with children received nutritional counseling, food assistance, and breast-feeding support.
• More than 11,000 families are receiving medical and dental services regardless of insurance or income status.
• 112 homes abated for lead-paint and other home related hazards.
• 86 children received free dental exams and cleanings during Give Kids A Smile Day.

The Mayor noted the City’s efforts to save costs while improving the quality of life for its municipal team members. “Switching from the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to a self-insured model shielded the city from a steep projected cost growth that would have driven medical spending from $102.9 million in 2022 to more than $210, million by 2026 – a 38% increase in 2026 alone. By making this move in 2023, the City is projected to save over $250 million through the end of 2026 compared with remaining in the state health benefits plan. The city has reduced cost by a combined 87% with Reference-Based Pricing over six months in 2025.”

 

ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS

• 3,800+ unsheltered residents engaged by Street Outreach Teams
• 1,600+ public assistance requests addressed via Path Home texting hotline
• 1,200+ residents supported by mobile medical teams in partnership with Rutgers Health
• 600+ residents engaged through Gateway to Hope, a focused outreach initiative supported by Newark Alliance and NJ TRANSIT
• 1,300+ residents connected to emergency shelter
• 165 formerly chronically homeless residents housed through Path Home Housing Program
• 152 evictions prevented and 150 families rehoused
• 119 rental assistance vouchers issued to homeless Newark residents

As the city continues to expand street outreach services, and soon cuts the ribbon to open the state-of-the-art City of Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Community Drop-In Center, it looks forward to the planned redevelopment of the historic Riviera Hotel to further enhance the City’s continuum of care toward affordable permanent housing opportunities for every Newark resident in need.

 

Stressing the importance of empowering residents without addresses by providing them with homes and hope, the Mayor said, “Rooted in compassion, action, and impact, our strategy relies on our ability to create more housing choices – not shelters.”

 

KEEPING NEWARK CLEAN AND GREEN

• 876 trees planted
• 300 + youth-led sustainability solutions submitted through Gen Green funding
• 15 Love your Block, Newark! grants awarded
• 13 community gardens resourced
• 350 fruit trees distributed
• 86,000+ tons of refuse collected
• 10,500+ tons of recycling processed

Noting that the Office of Sustainability, Resilience and Community Transformation’s efforts are already cleaning the air, Mayor Baraka announced, “Soon you will see us, in a few weeks, begin painting the rooftops of our city buildings white, an initiative to cool the temperatures down in our city.”

 

Digital Equity

Newark was named a National Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for the third consecutive year for its efforts to expand access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training for residents.

 

Clean Water Highlights

• Newark is in compliance with all current state water quality regulations.
• More than 100 damaged fire hydrants were replaced citywide in 2025.
• In 2025, 90% of Newark’s water samples tested 0 ppb for lead.
• A $20.5 million upgrade was completed at the Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant.
• Replacement of 150,000 linear feet (28 miles) of water main is planned.

ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY

Emergency Food Hubs were activated to respond to economic disruptions and ensure no resident went without food.

• 10,647 families fed
• 3,346 coats distributed
• $367,000 granted through SNAP Emergency Assistance

Partnering with HelloFresh, the city delivered a yearly total of 880,000 meals on Wednesdays, rotating through the five wards.

 

Newark also advanced cost-saving and energy relief initiatives for residents through Solar for All:

• 1533 residents enrolled
• $919,800 in estimated first-year savings

Newark’s participatory model continues to strengthen civic trust and neighborhood leadership.

• 25 new block associations formed
• 61 Newark People’s Assembly meetings hosted
• 138 community meetings citywide
• 452 doorbell cameras distributed to the community

NEWARK CONTINUES TO LEAD IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

65 families supported in achieving or preserving homeownership through the City’s Live Newark Program.

• 17 through the Closing Cost Program
• 42 through the Façade Improvement Program
• 6 through the Employees Homeownership Assistance Program

Major developments:

• Artside
• 930 McCarter
• The Ballantine
• Oak Hall NJIT Student Housing

Appealing to the generosity of Newark’s corporate and financial partners, and socially conscious allies, Mayor Baraka announced the revival of the city’s FAM (40 Acres and a Mule) Fund, a public/private investment venture that targets communities that have been “historically undermined economically, and purposefully neglected.” These funds will be used to create capital for business development and growth, and support non-profits.

 

“While the country is moving away from equity, it is time that we begin to lean in... We need all of our financial experts and partners, corporations, capital investment institutions, public sector leaders,” he said. “We need your technical and financial support now. We don't just need you to raise your hand at a meeting – verbally say you support Black and Brown people at public events or press interviews. We need history to judge you as an ally and a friend.”

 

Newark’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (ADU), funded with $1.4 million from the PRO Housing grant, takes advantage of a zoning amendment to promote the construction and rehabilitation of ADUs in the city. The program provides financial assistance of up to $40,000 per homeowner of a single-family dwelling.

In 2025 alone, the Division of Property Management:

• Conducted 71 sales of closings
• Transferred more than 148 properties to redevelopers of which 34, were Newark residents
• Generated a total of $5.1 million in revenue, transforming unused land into opportunities for new development and neighborhood revitalization

Affordable Housing Development:

• 199 affordable housing units received Certificates of Occupancy
• 76 units received temporary certificates
• 968 affordable units are currently under construction

After Mayor Baraka reported on the Office of Tenant Legal Services fighting illegal evictions and keeping people in their homes this past year, he provided an update to his recent executive order establishing accountability for noncompliant landlords. “These are people that have a series of housing complaints that are consistent and sometimes life-threatening. These are bad actors that have not been able to uphold their end of the bargain to provide safe and comfortable affordable housing to our residents. They have preyed on our residents far too long and we have not been able to hold them accountable like we should. So today, we are publishing the first list:

 

Villa Victoria – 2–54 Cutler Street (Hudson Valley Property Group)

Pilgrim Village – 291–319 18th Avenue (Hudson Valley Property Group)

Colonnade Apartments – 23–59 Clifton Avenue (The Colonnade Group)

87–101 Chancellor Avenue (Boomer LLC / Boomer 25 Van Velsor LLC) and

509–519 Mt. Prospect Avenue (FHTDD).”

 

DOWNTOWN ARTS & EDUCATION DISTRICT

The Arts & Education District serves as a unified and structural base for arts and cultural programming for residents and visitors to enjoy. In 2025, the district strengthened the downtown social and economic power by partnering with Newark Alliance and Invest Newark. This collaboration activated downtown, attracted visitors, residents, and investment. Major collaborations included:

 

• Newark Fan Fest (March Madness Tournament)
• Annual BrownMill Block Party
• North to Shore Festival
• Festivals United Newark
• Karaoke on Halsey

TRANSPORTATION

In May 2025, Via Newark was launched to provide safe, accessible, free, and impactful on-demand transit to help improve access to weekend destinations. Via Newark started as a six-month pilot program providing weekend service and has since been renewed due to its impact. Designed to enable convenient access to cultural, educational, and commercial destinations throughout the city, the service helps to connect Newark residents to events and jobs.

• 32,000 free VIA rides provided
• increase in access to jobs within 60 minutes of travel from East Newark
• 90% of riders said they would be disappointed if they couldn’t use this service
• 57% connect to other transit by means of Via Newark
• 36% of riders say they travel more often as a result of having access to micro-transit services
• 24 active drivers employed

ARTS, CULTURE AND CITY IDENTITY

Discussing the arts, the mayor said Newark’s story “includes our continued focus on arts and culture. We are one of the few cities in the country that has consistently funded not just arts programs, but artists themselves – which is why we are known as a ‘City of the Arts.’ We continue to use art as a mechanism to drive tourism, economic growth, and community pride in our city which tells our story from Sarah Vaughan to Whitney Houston, from Queen Latifah to Michael B. Jordan, from Redman to DoItAll and from Richard Wesley to Amiri Baraka.”

 

Newark continues to be recognized as a City of the Arts.

• 81% of residents say Newark lives up to its cultural reputation
• 75% say arts offerings are inclusive Arts and culture remain one of Newark’s greatest strengths — driving tourism, economic activity, and civic pride
• City hosted North 2 Shore Festival and Newark Arts Festival, two of state’s largest performing arts festivals
• Expansion of NJPAC and Newark Museum of Art nears completion
• City’s first Poet Laureate is embedded in most city events

Mayor Baraka held Michael B. Jordan as an exemplary Newarker, embodying the talent and determination of all city residents. “We were all overjoyed and overcome with excitement and pride when one of our own, a graduate of Arts High School, Michael B. Jordan, won an Academy Award for Best Male Actor. He again showed the world what we already knew: that all we need is a chance, an opportunity to show that we have learned to shine brightly through the smallest of cracks. And when we straighten our backs and lift our heads, they all, even the naysayers, can see how beautiful we are.”

 

FILM & TELEVISION INDUSTRY EXPANSION

• A major milestone in this effort is the development of Lionsgate Newark Studios, a $125 million, 300,000-sq.-ft. studio complex in the South Ward expected to bring hundreds of production jobs and significant economic impact to the city. A Community Benefits Agreement was brokered involving the City of Newark, NJPAC, and Lionsgate Newark. Under the agreement, the studio developers will make substantial financial investments to enhance quality of life in the South Ward neighborhood and the entire city.
• Hosted major studio productions, including I Play Rocky, Crystal Lake, Samo Lives, Best of the Best, Bad Day, and Here Comes the Flood
• Placed qualified Newark residents in on-set jobs through partnerships with Warner Bros. Discovery Access to Action, SYEP, and NewarkWORKS
• Secured a $750,000 NJEDA grant to expand film and television workforce training pipeline
• Partnered with the Newark International Film Festival for community engagement
• Welcomed the untitled Steven Spielberg project, which spent over $1 million locally, supporting Newark small businesses

The mayor offered inspirational encouragement for not only Newarkers, but everyone struggling with chaotic, uncaring movements in our nation and the world:

 

“More than any other time before, the words that we speak, the road that we choose to travel, the direction that we decide and our collective focus is so critical. It is our duty, especially those in leadership, in this defining and oftentimes dangerous moment, to be clear, decisive, and courageous. This time demands that we keep moving forward – yes, to provide stability, to ensure that government works, and to provide safety and security for all of our residents, both social and economic, but we can't stop there.

 

“In the face of mounting wars, ICE at our airports, attacks on voting rights, on people's humanity and dignity based on their race or their language they speak, the uncertainty of our economy, and the increasing authoritarianism that sensors information, puts neighbor against neighbor, and tramples over the very flag that you swore to in grammar school, and the constitution we vowed to uphold when we were sworn in–– at this dire moment, we can't change course, retreat in fear, or be distracted by foolishness, half-informed diatribes, and even outright lies.

 

“We have to have a radical imagination, reach for what yesterday seemed unreachable and work daily to achieve the impossible. It is our duty to use what appears to be terrible times as an opportunity to bind together.”

 

Before Imam Daud Haqq of NIA Masjid & Community Center gave the benediction and the evening concluded with The Other Side of Newark’s rendition of “Fight On,” Mayor Baraka

closed with the resounding conviction that, “The truth is that Newark will always prevail. That the forgotten stone will be the cornerstone. We will always ride to the top, no matter what. This is who we are. We are not broken…we are a beautiful people.

 

“Our population is increasing. Our skyline is changing. The value of our homes rising. Our community is safer. More of our kids graduating and going to college...Newark is on the rise! I love this city and always will. Our labor is out of love, our struggle is out of love, our fight is out of love.”

 

The State of the City Booklet can be accessed here.

 

For photos of the event, click here.

 

To see the speech on the City of Newark’s Facebook page, click here.

 

̶   NEWARK   ̶

 

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov

 

Follow us on X and on Instagram