Invest Newark Named Semifinalist in National Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge

Invest Newark has been named a semifinalist in Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo’s 2026 Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge for its Housing Choice Voucher Conversion Program. The initiative creates a pathway for lower-income Newark residents to move from rental assistance to homeownership.
The 2026 Challenge drew 871 applications from organizations across the country. Invest Newark was selected as one of 39 semifinalists advancing to round two.
Five organizations will ultimately receive $2 million awards to scale their housing innovations. Winning organizations will also receive technical assistance, industry mentorship and opportunities for national peer learning.
Port Authority starts project to improve airport, train access for Newark, Elizabeth
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground Friday on construction of the agency’s $160 million project to add an entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station served by AirTrain Newark, Amtrak and NJ Transit rail.
UEZ Funds Support Public Safety Surge in North Ward BIDs
NEWARK – A significant boost in public safety and overall quality of life is sweeping through Newark’s North Ward, thanks to a collaborative effort by its two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs): the Bloomfield Avenue/Lower Broadway Alliance (BALBA) and the Mt. Prospect Partnership (MPP).
RWJBarnabas Health Launches ‘Harvest’ – A First-of-Its-Kind Farm to Community Center in Newark to Combat Food Insecurity, Promote Nutrition Education, Empower Local Businesses
In a groundbreaking move to address food insecurity and promote holistic health and wellness, RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with Newark-based farm-to-city social enterprise Urban Agriculture Cooperative (UAC), today announced the launch of Harvest: An RWJBarnabas Health Farm to Community Center.
Free Weekend Microtransit Program to Connect Residents to Newark’s Arts and Education District
NEWARK – In the face of transit limitations brought on by the NJ Transit locomotive engineers strike, Newark leaders have taken steps to expand local transportation opportunities through the launch of “Via Newark,” a free weekend-only, on-demand transit service.
NJIT, NJEDA launch startup studio in Newark
Officials gathered in Newark Tuesday to officially launch the state’s latest Strategic Innovation Center.
Newark Land Bank Breaks Ground on New Single-Family Residence
Newark Land Bank, a division of Invest Newark that is focused on boosting homeownership, broke ground on its first ground-up residential construction project at 113 Ridgewood Ave. on Monday morning.
Newark, Audible, Invest Newark Expand Business Attraction Efforts to Strengthen Local Economy
NEWARK – Sweet Jeans Kitchen + Espresso Bar, a specialty café serving a menu with the downtown commuter in mind, has opened on Broad Street with the support of Newark, Audible and Invest Newark.
Newark Mayor Shares Success Stories In 2025 State Of City Speech
NEWARK, NJ — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recently presented his 11th annual State of the City address, highlighting the year’s headlines in housing, crime, finance, education, health, arts and technology.
Is Newark The Next Silicon Valley?
When you think of Newark, what comes to mind? Often called the “Gateway City” for its role as a major transportation hub, Newark has a rich history as an industrial powerhouse. But like many cities, it’s faced its share of challenges, including a reputation tied to crime. That image, however, hasn’t always reflected its potential.