Meet Jhamar
I’m Jhamar Youngblood, a Newark native who began at L.A. Spencer public school in the gifted and talented program, then attended St. Benedict’s Prep. I later attended Monmouth University and Rider University, studying finance, and continued to Dartmouth College for my master’s to study how local governments operate around the world.
I’ve built my career using technology to solve problems that matter. During the pandemic, I partnered with the Newark Board of Education to create software to help public school students stay connected with their mentors, and in 2017 I received a $50,000 city grant to build a safety app that protects women and teens from violence.
As mayor, I’ll make Newark’s government efficient, transparent, and accountable by rebuilding our systems, publishing clear data on every dollar spent, and giving residents real control over how the city operates. We will use modern technology to keep services consistent, make the city more affordable, clean, and safe, and ensure people can track budgets, projects, and decisions in real time. Newark’s future will be shaped by its residents, not by politicians.
Top Priorities
Modernizing Newark: We must bring our city up to the standard that successful cities around the world already follow. Modern cities use technology to keep services consistent, information transparent, and quality of life high. Newark can do the same. When we upgrade our systems, we can track issues in real time, respond faster, and make sure basic services actually get delivered. Clean streets are one example. With the right tools and accountability, the city can keep every block and park cleaned. Modernization is how we make Newark function the way a major city should.
Rebuilding Newark’s Reputation: Newark has a long history of being exploited, mismanaged, and shaped by people who did not put residents first. Corruption, political games, and outsiders making decisions for us have kept the city from reaching its potential. We are changing that. Our new reputation will be built on putting Newarkers first by making the city more affordable, building new systems that generate revenue, and upgrading the ones we already have so they actually work. This is how we move from a city others take advantage of to a city respected for its integrity, competence, and commitment to its people.
Putting Power in Residents’ Hands: This is about giving Newarkers real control over spending, key decisions, and accountability. Residents should be able to see where every dollar goes, shape major priorities, and hold officials responsible when something isn’t done. We will build systems that let people track budgets, projects, and policies in real time so nothing is hidden. This campaign is about shifting power from politicians to the people who actually live here.
Newark30
Newark30 is our plan to build a stronger, self-sufficient Newark. We want every resident to have real access to housing, food, and jobs, and a direct say in the city’s future. After you read the full plan, leave a comment and share your ideas to help shape Newark. Let’s build this together.
Speaking at City Hall
I’ve been bringing real issues and real solutions to our city’s leaders, but no one has responded. That silence showed me the problem is not just policy, it is connection. There is a gap between residents who care and the people in City Hall who should be listening. That is why I am running for mayor, to close that gap and build a government that actually hears and works with its people to make our city better.
Cleaning Our City
Residents reach out to us about trash on their blocks and in their parks, so we show up and clean it. Not because it’s our job, but because the city should have handled it already. These videos show the gap between what people are living with and what the government is delivering. I’m running for mayor to close that gap so Newark doesn’t rely on residents calling candidates to get a basic cleanup. Clean streets and clean parks should be expected.
FAQ’s
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I believe Newark’s success and my personal reputation are inherently aligned. By putting Newark first and focusing on the collective good of our residents, I will gain the trust and respect of the city, which is far more valuable than any personal gain. My goal is to ensure that every decision benefits the city and its people.
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I will take a firm approach with outside interests, making it clear that Newark is not just a place to make money. Anyone doing business here must prioritize contributing to the city’s growth, supporting its residents, and strengthening the community. Newark’s overall success will always come first, with individual success following as a result.
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My plan is to stay connected with Newarkers by creating accessible channels for residents to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. This starts with Our Newark, a new social site designed exclusively for our community. This platform will allow residents to post about issues, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions. By fostering ongoing dialogue, we can ensure that leadership remains responsive to the real needs of the community and that every voice plays a part in shaping Newark’s future. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Newark.
Our Newark will launch in February of 2025.
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We will implement technology similar to Checkbook NYC, allowing residents to track how every government dollar is spent and providing insight into decision-making processes. This transparency will build trust and ensure that leaders remain accountable to the people they serve.
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I love Newark’s infrastructure, including its transportation networks, and we are inspired by our rich history of innovation, arts, and activism. Most of all, I admire the resilience and authenticity of our people, who continue to push Newark forward despite the challenges they face. Although it feels like we’ve faced some of our toughest moments, I believe this is our opportunity to rise stronger and move forward together.
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I’ve created an initiative called MESA (Mentoring, Education, Sports, Arts) to inspire the youth of Newark and equip them with the skills they need to succeed. The goal of MESA is to provide young people with the tools to go out in the world, learn, and then bring their knowledge and experience back to uplift our city. Through Mentoring, they will connect with role models who guide them on their journey. Education will empower them with the critical skills necessary for academic and career success. Sports will teach discipline, teamwork, and provide physical outlets, while Arts will nurture their creativity and self-expression. MESA is designed to inspire the youth to not only achieve great things but to reinvest in Newark, ensuring a brighter future for themselves and their community.
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To create more low-income housing, I plan to advocate for cooperative housing models that allow residents’ rent payments to contribute toward community ownership of their units. This approach not only provides affordable housing but also empowers residents to build equity and have a stake in their living spaces. Cooperative housing has been successful in countries around the world, and it’s time we bring this innovative solution to Newark. By working with local developers, nonprofits, and financial institutions, we can establish co-ops that keep housing affordable, strengthen communities, and ensure long-time residents can remain in Newark.
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I will rely on both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring decisions are informed by facts. I also prioritize inclusivity by listening to as many perspectives to come to the most sensible decisions.
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I have plans to make the Newark the amateur sports hub of the world. By leveraging our existing infrastructure, like swimming pools, stadiums, and parks, we can attract regional, national, and even international sports events. This would not only bring in visitors and boost local businesses, but also create job opportunities and showcase Newark as a center for youth sports.
On top of that, we can offer programs that help local residents find jobs in sports, hospitality, and event management, further strengthening our economy. Making Newark a sports hub will drive growth while creating new opportunities for residents.
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Success means creating more jobs, improving overall wellness, and ensuring residents are safe, healthy, and thriving.
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My vision is to make Newark one of the most visited and desirable cities in the world. Newark has to become a place where people come to experience our vibrant culture, economic opportunities, and rich history, while residents enjoy a high quality of life in a thriving city.