About NDD
Our Mission
The Newark Downtown District (NDD), Newark’s special improvement district (SID) of the central business area, is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to enhancing cleanliness, safety, and beautification in Downtown Newark, while preserving and enriching culture, commerce, and community.
The NDD works hard to enrich the quality of life for those who live, labor, and leisure in Newark by providing supplemental cleaning and quality of life services, as well as physical improvements, marketing, and event programs. These efforts make downtown Newark attractive to residents, businesses, students, tourists, and visitors.
The NDD is funded through a special assessment on district commercial and residential properties, and is overseen by a Board of Trustees consisting of business and property owners within the District, representatives of non-profit organizations, as well as municipal officials and staff.
A Letter from the CEO
Dear Downtown Family,
As we reflect on 2024, I’m energized by the progress we’ve made in the Newark Downtown District. Last year, the city challenged us to expand our district’s boundaries, bringing our services to an additional 50 square blocks. Throughout the year, we embraced this opportunity, adjusting operations and making significant strides. By analyzing metrics and streamlining efforts, we’ve achieved key milestones.
“In 2024, the NDD created community-focused events that turned downtown into a hub of inclusivity and shared experiences.”
In 2024, the NDD created vibrant opportunities for connection, attracting record participation. Events like the NDD Art Block Party showcased local artists and musicians, while initiatives like NDD Flavor Fridays drove foot traffic to small businesses. Community-focused events, including the NDD Fall Festival, NDD Paint with Pride, and our Night Markets and Play Streets, turned downtown into a hub of inclusivity and shared experiences.
Advanced location analytics enabled us to optimize strategies and generate data for our acclaimed NDD Real Estate Reports, providing stakeholders with insights into downtown assets. Supporting businesses remains central to our mission, and we proudly welcomed creative entrepreneurs and local talent, adding to downtown’s dynamic mix of places to explore, eat, and connect.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue expanding our data infrastructure with new technology and analytics to better address the district’s evolving needs. Collaborative, data-driven decision-making will remain at the heart of our strategy as we continue building a thriving, inclusive downtown.
The progress we’ve achieved wouldn’t be possible without the support of the NDD Board of Trustees. Your belief in our shared vision fuels our efforts. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to enhance the Newark Downtown District.
With appreciation and optimism,
Anthony McMillan, CEO
Newark Downtown District
A Letter from the Chairman
Dear Stakeholders, Partners, and Friends of the Newark Downtown District,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 NDD Annual Report. This past year has been a remarkable period of growth and transformation, and we have made significant strides in positioning the Newark Downtown District as a dynamic, thriving destination for business, commerce, and culture.
“Our efforts have fostered a more dynamic, bustling atmosphere that both strengthens our economy and fosters community connections .”
This year, one of our core objectives is to foster a supportive environment where businesses can thrive. From small, family-owned shops to large corporations, we’re proud of the diverse range of businesses that call downtown Newark home. We’ve implemented new initiatives to encourage foot traffic, including hosting events aimed at drawing visitors to our city and keeping them here longer. These efforts have fostered a more dynamic, bustling atmosphere that both strengthens our economy and fosters community connections.
Cleanliness is the foundation of a welcoming downtown, and we have prioritized this aspect with renewed dedication. This year, we expanded our cleaning services, including adding extra shifts, increased power washing of high-traffic areas, and the purchasing of new dump trucks. Thanks to these efforts, our downtown core is cleaner than ever, creating a fresh and appealing environment for everyone who visits, works, and lives here. With an undeniable commitment to finding ways to increase the beauty of our urban environment, the NDD is steadfast in our role in helping downtown reach its potential.
As we look forward to 2025, we thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission. It is through our collective efforts that we have achieved so much, and it is with your partnership that we look toward a future filled with opportunity and success.
Warm Regards,
