On the announcement of City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka being selected as President and Chair of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled that Mayor Baraka has been elected to serve in this new role, with our long time partners at the Urban Mayors Association of NJ. We have worked closely with the Urban Mayors Association on supporting revitalization efforts in New Jersey’s urban cities and the mayor himself was our 2016 Community Development Champion. Mayor Baraka has been an ally and advocate for expanding access to affordable homes, ensuring equitable growth and spearheading successful efforts to secure environmental justice. Whether it is Newark’s lead service line replacement program, the City’s support for small businesses during the pandemic, or the implementation of NJ’s groundbreaking land bank law, Mayor Baraka is leading by example. He has been a tireless advocate for equity and justice during this difficult time in our nation and our state. In this new role, he can share his vision and experience with other local elected officials. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor Baraka and all of the members of the Urban Mayors Association.”