While the restoration of confidence and reformation of government takes time, positive steps continue to be taken to achieve government reform. The Booker Administration and the Municipal council are committed to doing what is necessary to make government work for the residents of Newark.
In 2006, new legislation was enacted in the State of New Jersey that changed the way New Jersey municipal and government county agencies acquire certain goods and services. Known as the “Pay-to-Play” law, these statutes are designed to regulate political contributions made by for-profit businesses that have or are seeking government contracts.
The City of Newark is required to prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan to receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan combines, in one report, important information about Newark demographics and economic activity as well as detailed information on the housing and community needs of its residents.
The City of Newark is submitting this 2010-2011 Action Plan as the first annual action plan of the 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan period.
July 15, 2010 - Councilman Demands to End Three Consecutive Days of Shootings in Newark
Frustrated and angry about the multiple shootings and other incidents that have taken place in the past three days in Newark’s South Ward, Councilman Ras J. Baraka is calling for immediate action to address the rampant crime that happens throughout the neighborhood. Standing in the shadows of the construction of a new South Ward Police Precinct, Baraka called for Newark’s Police Director to work directly with his office to develop a comprehensive plan for crime reduction and to completely overhaul the 5th district precinct beginning with the removal of current Police Captain Felipe Gonzalez. Councilman Baraka also announced the organization of Citizen Night Patrols, comprised of volunteers to walk the streets, with the goal of discouraging crime in those areas known for criminal activity.
July 1, 2010 - Councilman-At- Large Donald M. Payne Elected New President of Newark Municipal Council
Promising to work with the City administration, and to collaborate with residents on the issues currently facing the City, Councilman-At-Large Donald M. Payne, Jr. was elected to serve as the president of the Newark Municipal Council by a majority vote of his Council colleagues. The new Council President was elected immediately following the inauguration ceremony for Mayor Cory A. Booker’s second term and the rest of the Municipal Council. North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. was elected Vice President of the nine-member body.
June 18, 2010 - Newark Municipal Council Vote To Allow MUA
A unanimous vote by the Newark Municipal Council last night paved the way for the City to apply to the State to create a Municipal Utilities Authority and to allow the administration to submit a balanced budget to the State. The resolution was approved at last night’s regular meeting of the Newark Municipal Council, attended by eight of the nine Council members.
February 9, 2010 - Councilman Rice Responds to Nightclub Shooting
“This situation has gotten out of control,” says Councilman Rice, “and this incident is the culmination of a series of events at this establishment. Neighbors have repeatedly called the police complaining about the loitering that goes on outside this club, and I personally have responded to calls in the early morning hours because patrons were in the street causing a great deal of commotion,” he adds. “Now we have someone who has gotten killed, and we need to either force them to abide by our rules, or force them out,” he says.
February 2, 2010 - Councilman Rice Hosts Community Meeting to Discuss Security Plans for New School
In an effort to promote the sharing of ideas and best practices among the 22 municipalities in Essex County, Newark West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice, together with West Orange Councilman Sal M. Anderton will host the inaugural meeting of the Essex County Municipal Council Alliance. The meeting is being held on Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chamber, Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Newark.
Continuing with his advocacy of complete transparency between government, citizens, and the police, West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice today announced a partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) that will assist residents in making complaints about police misconduct.
According to Councilman Rice, residents have approached his office both intimidated by the Internal Affairs process and in fear of retaliation based on filing a complaint. “I am trying to provide a process that not only gives residents a safe and more comfortable way to file complaints, but also helps determine if there has actually been an increase in the number of complaints,” says Councilman Rice. “This new process is a good way to track the actual number of complaints my office receives, and I believe it will go a long way toward creating a better, more effective working relationship between our government, the police and the citizens.”
Councilman Rice's complaint form is available for download on this article page.
The mission of the Law Department is to provide exemplary legal services and achieve urban transformation by addressing the legal challenges facing the City of Newark in a professional, ethical, and cost effective manner.
The mission of the Office of the Business Administrator is to provide the conduit of leadership and management to the overall functioning of the City of Newark’s ten operational divisions. It is through this effort, that the visionary goals and objectives set forth by the Mayor are reinforced and executed.
The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requires a person requesting access to government records to complete, sign and date the request form adopted by the City of Newark. The completed form can be submitted to the City Clerk's, OPRA Unit, room 415A, City Hall, in person, by fax, email or mail. The fax number is (973) 733-4893. Public records will normally be available in accordance with P.L. 2001, c 404, within seven (7) business days. Some records will be immediately available.
The following contains important information that will assist you with the process of becoming qualified as a candidate for the Office of Council Member and Mayor in the May 11, 2010 Municipal Election. Please note that on Monday, January 4, 2010, beginning at 12:00 P.M. (NOON), a packet containing the appropriate instructions, together with pertinent petition(s) and other required forms will be made available in the Office of the City Clerk, Room 309 ONLY – City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Newark.
The City of Newark, Department of Economic and Housing Development, Division of Housing and Real Estate is seeking proposals from qualified proposers to develop parcels of vacant land and several structures in accordance with the City of Newark's Land Disposition Policy.
The last day to register to vote for the upcoming May 11, 2010 Newark Municipal Election is Tuesday, April 20, 2010. The Office of the City Clerk locate at City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Room B-9 will be open to the public until 9:00 P.M. on that date for those who wish to register to vote.
The posting of political signs and/or promotional signs by any candidate seeking any public office within the City of Newark shall adhere to the Municipal Code listed below. If additional information is needed, please contact Mr. Melvin Waldrop, Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services at (973) 733-5378.
In New Jersey, any voter can now vote by mail in any election. You do not need a reason to Vote by Mail. Don’t feel like going to the polls? Simply vote by mail. Exercise your right to vote! Now there is no excuse not to vote. Vote by Mail.
The City of Newark Adopt-a-Median program is part of an effort to make our roadways litter-free and beautify our city. The program is voluntary, designed for businesses, profit and non-profit organizations and is open to groups that do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color or sex.
Mayor Cory A. Booker reminded residents today that City Hall will be closed and all non-emergency Newark municipal services will be suspended on Monday, September 6, for the observance of the Labor Day holiday. Police, fire, and other uniformed emergency services will be unaffected.
All street-sweeping, garbage and recycling collection services that would normally occur on Monday, September 6, will take place during the next normal collection day on Thursday, September 9. Residents must place their refuse at their curbs by 6 a.m. Any garbage put out on September 6, may result in a fine.
“We are bidding farewell to one of the most dedicated and hard-working members of the Newark municipal team,” Mayor Booker said. “During her time with us, Desiree restructured the City’s Public Information Office to be more responsive, effective and innovative. Her creativity and commitment to redefine how municipal government communicates to better inform residents has been invaluable. I wish her all the best as she continues her public service career in the Nutter Administration,” said Mayor Booker.
Mayor Cory A. Booker and Acting Business Administrator Michael E. Greene, Esq. announced today that the City of Newark will impose its mandatory furlough days for all employees of the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services starting on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. All municipal recreation centers and swimming pools, including Camp Watershed, will be closed this Wednesday. In addition, bulk trash will not be picked up. Garbage and recycling pick-up services will not be interrupted and will continue with the normal schedule.
VIDEO: Mayor Cory Booker calls an emergency press conference to discuss drastic measures that need to be taken in order to fill a $70 million budget gap.
