In March 2025, I spoke at our city council meeting for the first time as a proud Newark native, addressing the urgent need for greater accountability and fairness in our city. During my remarks, I introduced the first version of an ordinance and resolution designed to bring full transparency to Newark’s budget and give residents a real voice in how public funds are spent. Read both proposals below and see how we can work together to build trust between City Hall and the people of Newark.
The Full Transparency Ordinance and the Public Decision Resolution
Prepared by: Jhamar Youngblood
Below is an ordinance and resolution we submitted to the City Council on 3/19/25. The Full Transparency Ordinance and the Public Decision Resolution mark a fundamental shift toward restoring power to the residents of Newark by ensuring their voices and tax dollars are fully accounted for in city governance. The Full Transparency Ordinance establishes a real-time financial tracking system, allowing taxpayers to see exactly how their money is spent, ensuring accountability, and eliminating wasteful spending. The Public Decision Resolution encourages official city polls to help guide Council decisions, ensuring that policies reflect the true priorities of Newark residents rather than outside influences. Together, these measures set a new standard for government transparency, responsiveness, and trust, taking the first step in putting Newark’s future back into the hands of its people.
FULL TRANSPARENCY ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the City of Newark is committed to ensuring full transparency and accountability in the use of public funds; and
WHEREAS, taxpayers have the right to know how their tax dollars are allocated and spent by municipal departments and agencies; and
WHEREAS, financial transparency strengthens public trust in government and promotes fiscal responsibility; and
WHEREAS, technological advancements allow for real-time access to government financial data in a user-friendly format; and
WHEREAS, cities such as New York have implemented online financial tracking systems like Checkbook NYC, which have proven effective in increasing public oversight and reducing wasteful spending;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Municipal Council of the City of Newark, New Jersey, that:
SECTION 1: TITLE AND PURPOSE
This ordinance shall be known as the Full Transparency Ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide Newark residents with an accessible, real-time digital platform that details all city expenditures to ensure public oversight and accountability.
SECTION 2: CREATION OF A PUBLIC FINANCIAL DATABASE
The City of Newark shall develop and maintain a publicly accessible online database displaying all municipal expenditures.
The database shall include, but is not limited to:
Detailed expenditure descriptions identifying the purpose of each transaction. Recipient information listing businesses, contractors, vendors, and individuals receiving payments.
Exact dollar amounts for each expense, categorized by budget source.
Department and agency details to specify which municipal office authorized the spending.
Date of transaction to ensure timely reporting and oversight.
SECTION 3: ACCESSIBILITY AND USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN
The database shall be designed in a simple, intuitive format, accessible to all Newark residents.
The system shall include search and filtering tools that allow users to sort spending records by category, department, timeframe, and funding source.
The financial database shall be updated in real-time or as frequently as technically feasible.
SECTION 4: ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE
The Office of the City Clerk and the Department of Finance shall be responsible for maintaining and ensuring the accuracy of the database.
Any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in reporting shall be corrected within 10 business days of identification.
City officials responsible for non-compliance or failure to disclose financial data shall be subject to administrative penalties, as determined by the Municipal Council.
SECTION 5: OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT
A Newark Public Accountability Board shall be established to oversee the implementation and enforcement of this ordinance.
The board shall have the authority to audit city expenditures, investigate non-compliance, and recommend corrective actions.
An annual transparency report shall be published, providing a summary of municipal spending trends and compliance with this ordinance.
SECTION 6: EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and adoption by the Newark Municipal Council.
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PUBLIC DECISION RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the City of Newark is committed to fostering a government that is transparent, data-driven, and responsive to the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, public trust in government decision-making is strengthened when policies and initiatives are based on verifiable data and community input; and
WHEREAS, advances in technology provide the City of Newark with the ability to conduct official citywide polls, surveys, and data collection efforts to better understand the needs and priorities of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the use of officially collected city poll data ensures that City Council decisions reflect the actual priorities of Newark residents, rather than unverified opinions or external influences; and
WHEREAS, a structured approach to gathering and analyzing public feedback will improve the effectiveness of municipal policies, budget allocations, and community initiatives;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Municipal Council of the City of Newark, New Jersey, that:
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICIAL PUBLIC POLLING SYSTEM
The City of Newark shall develop and implement an official city polling system that allows residents to provide input on key policy matters, budget priorities, and community projects.
These polls shall be conducted digitally and in-person, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
The Office of Civic Engagement and Public Affairs shall oversee the development and execution of polling efforts, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accuracy.
SECTION 2: REQUIREMENT FOR DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING
The Newark City Council shall prioritize the use of officially collected poll data when making legislative, budgetary, and policy decisions.
City departments presenting proposals or seeking funding allocations shall include relevant polling data in their presentations to the Council.
Publicly available data reports shall be issued summarizing the results of each poll and how they influenced Council decisions.
SECTION 3: PUBLIC ACCESS TO DECISION-MAKING DATA
All city polling data shall be published on an open-data platform for public review.
A quarterly Community Input Report shall be released, detailing the top concerns and priorities identified by Newark residents.
The City Council shall hold biannual public forums to discuss polling results and gather additional community insights.
SECTION 4: OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The Newark Public Engagement Committee shall be formed to ensure polling practices remain fair, inclusive, and representative of Newark’s diverse population.
If City Council deviates from the public’s expressed priorities, a written explanation shall be provided outlining the reasons for the decision.
An annual Public Decision Review shall assess the effectiveness of this resolution and recommend improvements to the polling process.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage by the Newark Municipal Council.