The City receives funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development each year for several programs. A Consolidated Plan must be submitted every five years to maintain eligibility for that funding. The Aubrey Group was engaged as a consultant to assist in that effort.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Emergency Support Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) collectively contribute over $15,000,000.00 to Newark every year.

These funds assist in homelessness prevention, affordable housing, community development, new building and rehabilitation efforts, and additional vital programs.

The Consolidated Planning process allows Newark to evaluate the needs of residents and other stakeholders and assess progress in achieving their goals.

The Aubrey Group performed a comprehensive needs assessment for the City by reviewing past Consolidated and Action Plans, researching demographic trends via the US Census’ American Community Survey, and consulting with a wide range of invested parties. We scheduled meetings with various City departments and third-party organizations invested in community development in the City.

We also developed a robust Citizen Participation Plan to glean feedback from residents of Newark. As a part of that process, we disseminated surveys, held a virtual public hearing, and held two virtual town halls.

After reviewing all new information, we developed a strategic plan and a first-year action plan that aligns with the priorities of the stakeholders: the Mayor and his administration, City departments, third-party organizations, residents, and HUD. We focused on inclusive and equitable development to increase affordable housing and decrease homelessness. We worked to increase the budget for specific projects while maintaining sufficient funding for mandatory City costs like salaries and administration.

After a rigorous six-month process, expedited due to COVID-19, Newark was able to submit its completed Consolidated Plan and continue its eligibility status with HUD.

About the Client: The City of Newark is the largest and second-most racially diverse city in New Jersey, with a population of over 277,000 residents. It is located in the New York-Newark Metropolitan Area, and a large number of commuters take advantage of its easy access to NYC via train and other public transit. Newark is divided into five political wards, varied in their residential and business identities.