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In shrinking the field from 560 applicants to 22 finalists, the U.S. Economic Development Administration advanced the “Newark Builds Newark” project.

The Brick City’s proposal seeks a $20 million federal grant under the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. If selected, the funding would go toward the construction of a 30,000-square-foot Center for Excellence in downtown. Along the way, the initiative would provide training for building trade jobs, as well as ultimately offering comprehensive wraparound supports to residents.

The city said it aims to ensure all residents benefit from the potential investment by building a physical training presence. In the immediate sense, the designation clears Newark to apply for Recompete’s final phase. Making it this far, the Feb. 26 announcement said, is an endorsement of the city’s strategy to create and connect workers to good jobs. The city is the only finalist from New Jersey.

Authorized by the Biden Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, Recompete targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average. The goal is to close that gap with local investments.

“What many people decry as a workforce shortage is actually an investment shortage – and this exciting plan is a perfect example of that,” commented Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “Decades of disregard and a dearth of opportunity for the people of Newark and many cities, has resulted in signs of neglect in buildings and infrastructure – as well as, sometimes, the people themselves.”

Building future opportunities

The City of Newark collaborated with Newark Workforce Development Board (NWDB), Newark Alliance, Invest Newark and the Carpenters Union on the submission.

Newark Builds Newark is envisioned as a five-year program to bring more prime age Newarkers into well-paying, in-demand construction and building trades careers. Consequently, that includes green and sustainable infrastructure.

“Not only do we have a chance to construct a state-of-the-art training facility from the ground up, but we will do it with the skills of our own city residents who are learning carpentry and other building trades,” said Deputy Mayor of Job Creation and Workforce Development Rahaman Muhammad. “For them, this opportunity fills the gaps left from our education system and provides a path to a skilled career and financial independence, while establishing a permanent center to keep Newark building Newark.”

The program could also offer residents regional opportunities. As infrastructure investments pick up in the region these skills will continue to be in demand.

“Not only would winning Recompete give us an essential infusion of funds to build a best-in-class training center with proven wrap-around services, but it will allow us to build from that foundation to make sure Newark workers always have a seat at the table to participate in some of our nation’s most substantial infrastructure and economic development projects for generations to come,” Evan Weiss, president and CEO of the Newark Alliance, said.

‘Can do’ attitude

Overall, Recompete will invest $200 million in economic and workforce development projects nationwide.

In Phase 1, finalists applied for implementation grants. Phase 2 investments will range from $20 million to $50 million in implementation funding.

Altogether, Recompete finalists represent 20 states and territories and nearly $800 million in preliminary funding requests.

In Newark, the program coincides with other efforts to build up downtown, such as the $110 million Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge project.

In his remarks, Baraka expressed optimism about the city’s prospects.

“But we are the city that rose to national prominence for a stunning ‘can do’ turnaround in areas ranging from crime reduction to homelessness,” he said. “And together, with investment, we can show the world once again how beautifully ‘Newark Builds Newark.’”