Ras Baraka
No biography on file yet.
Want every word Baraka has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Baraka said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (9)(Development)
Newark Housing Authority state takeover
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.
Rental broker fees
Removes upfront broker fees that can cost renters thousands of dollars at lease signing.
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.
East Ward three-family near Astor Street fire property
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.
Affordable housing monitoring and staffing
Additional staffing may be requested in the next budget.
Essex Plaza senior housing conditions
A mural MOU with the property owner is on hold.
Georgia King Village living conditions
The city has spent money on heaters and repeated responses that it may now seek to recover from the landlord under the new cost-recovery ordinance.
Decisions during term (8)
Recorded while Baraka was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.