Introduction to Newark Professor Barr

Introduction to Newark

• Professor Barr

• Honor Seminar: Topics in Urban Economics

Newark’s Neighborhoods Map

Newark’s Wards Map

Political Structure

• 5 wards: North, South, East, West and Central.

• 9 council members are elected on a nonpartisan basis for terms of 4 years:

• one council member from each of 5 wards
• and 4 council members on an at-large basis.

• The mayor is also elected for a term of 4 years.

• Next Mayoral election 2006.

Time Line: 1666-1900

• 1666: Newark is founded 1666 by Connecticut Puritans led by Robert Treat.

• 1815: Seth Boyden moves to Newark.

• 1831: Construction of Morris Canal.

• 1836: Incorporated as City.

• Mid-late 18th c: Newark becomes industrial powerhouse and home to many European Immigrants.

Time Line: 20th Century

• 1902: John Cotton Dana becomes head of Newark Public Library.

• 1910 – 1950s: Large Black migration from South.

• 1928: Newark Airport begins operation.

• 1930s: Population peaks at more than 440,000.

• 1960s: Newark becomes ‘majority minority’ city.

• 1967: Riots.

• 1970: Ken Gibson elected Newark’s first black Mayor.

• 1986: Sharpe James first elected Mayor.

• 1997: NJPAC.

• 1990s: Newark’s economic and business climate begins to rebound (The ‘Newark Renaissance’).

• 2000: Population bottoms out at about 273,000.

Newark’s Population Growth

Newark’s Growth vs. Other Cities in Area

Job Growth

Job Growth (Loss), 1949-1996

More job growth

Population Ranking: Selected Cities Note: 239 Cities with >=100,000 people

Density Rankings: Selected Cities

Percent Black or African American

Rank of City % Renters, 2000

2000 Unemployment

Retail Sales per Capita, 1997

Comparison of Newark and New Jersey

Newark vs. New Jersey (2000 unless noted)

Newark vs. N.J. cont. (2000 unless noted)

Newark vs. New Jersey (2000 unless noted)

Newark Census Tract Maps

Population

% Black

% White

% Hispanic

Median Household Income

% Unemployed

% Vacant Units

% of Residents 25+ with Bachelor’s Degree

% of HHs w/ Female Head in Pov.

Newark’s Crime vs. U.S. 1985 - 2003

Housing Permits