Ras Baraka
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Top issues during term (20)
Newark Works First-Source Hiring Compliance
Grant funding available if the district applies by December 18.
Newark Housing Authority state takeover
Senior services lease at Bethany Baptist Church
Costs the city $30,000 for calendar year 2026, payable at $2,500 a month.
Crisis response and public health grant funding
Includes an additional $3,131,050 in HRSA funds, bringing the Ryan White cumulative award to $5,852,494.
Crisis response and public health grant funding
Includes an additional $3,131,050 in HRSA funds, bringing the Ryan White cumulative award to $5,852,494.
Emergency water main contract extension
Adds $25,000 to the existing contract plus a new $235,000 emergency award, up to $1,384,220 total.
Sale of city land for new University High School
The city would convey land at nominal consideration, giving up any sale proceeds to enable the school project.
Electronic tax lien sale and senior outreach
The sale enforces municipal liens owed to the city.
Newark Alliance budget and tourism accountability
The 2026 annual budget amendment for the Alliance is on hold pending detail.
Water treatment plant change orders
Contract amounts were not stated in the published agenda.
Data center moratorium
East Ward three-family near Astor Street fire property
Code Enforcement Training and Court Dismissals
Dismissed violations are a lost revenue source that could fund DPW cleaning overtime.
First responder mental health support
May require seeking additional grant funding in another category.
25-year tax abatement for 722-728 Clinton Avenue mixed-use project
Standard property tax revenue would be deferred for 25 years under the proposed abatement.
Sickle cell services funding
$739,005 in state grant funding, requiring a two-thirds Council vote.
Outfront Media billboard back rent
About $105,000 in back rent plus $21,600 annually in new revenue.
Rental broker fees
Removes upfront broker fees that can cost renters thousands of dollars at lease signing.
Affordable housing monitoring and staffing
Additional staffing may be requested in the next budget.
25-year tax abatement for MLK Blvd housing
The developer pays reduced taxes for 25 years in exchange for building 42 units, 9 of them affordable.
Decisions during term (165)
Recorded while Baraka was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.