Newark Community Needs Survey

When it comes to deciding public policy and governance, we believe that everyone—including working and poor people—should have a seat at the table and an equal voice in those decisions.

We have systematically conducted a community needs survey in South and East Newark, areas experiencing the impacts of post industrialization and that were hard hit by the Covid pandemic. Our survey asked a variety of questions about resources, demographics, and voting habits, valuable information that should be considered when planning for future development.

The results of the survey reveal the issues and concerns of those in Newark’s South and East side. The most important concern was the rising cost of food and groceries, followed by reducing the use and sale of illegal drugs as well as reducing theft in neighborhoods. See below for a visual of the survey results.

These are hard times and they are even harder when we are disempowered from our electoral systems. The election is coming up on November 8th, with voter registration and absentee voting ending on October 11th. There will also be early voting at the Board of Elections Office until November 7th (20 South Second Street). This is a great option for voting on your time, rather than waiting at the polls on Tuesday.

Click Here to Resister to Vote!

The truth is, though, that voting is just one way to have an impact in your community. Organizations like the Think Tank bring people together to connect, educate, and do something about the issues facing our community. The Newark Think Tank is a nonpartisan diverse group of people who are committed to systemic change. When it comes to deciding public policy and governance, we believe that everyone—including working and poor people—should have a seat at the table and an equal voice in those decisions, but we can’t do it alone! Would you be interested in working with us to make real change in people’s lives?

If so, please email thinktankonpovertynew3ark@gmail.com to get involved!