Cleanliness and community development took center stage at the Newark Municipal Council meeting on August 6, 2025, as city officials addressed pressing concerns about public works and tax abatements. Mayor Baraka acknowledged the public's complaints regarding cleanliness, stating that significant improvements have been made in trash collection and street sweeping efforts. A dedicated team, led by Grama Madin, director of the water and sewer department, has been tasked with enhancing the Department of Public Works' operations.

In a related discussion, the mayor clarified misconceptions about a supposed moratorium on tax abatements. He emphasized that the administration will continue to propose tax abatements to support development across all wards, despite Councilman Gonzalez's intention to pause votes until an advisory committee is established. The mayor expressed confidence that council members would recognize the importance of these abatements for improving quality of life and advancing projects in their respective areas.

Another key topic was the council's recent decision to abstain from voting on a contract with OCA Architects, a minority-owned firm based in Newark. The mayor highlighted the firm's diverse leadership and its role in an upcoming 100% affordable housing project in the Central Ward. He urged council members to reconsider their abstentions, offering to provide additional information to address their concerns about the city's involvement in large-scale development projects.

As the meeting concluded, the mayor reinforced the administration's commitment to fostering community development and improving living conditions in Newark, signaling a proactive approach to addressing both cleanliness and housing needs in the city.