In Newark, New Program Gives Young Residents Power Over Sustainability Projects

Young Newark residents will now directly shape how their city invests in environmental and community sustainability projects through a new initiative called Gen Green.

Announced Tuesday by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the program allocates $50,000 from the city’s sustainability budget for residents ages 23 and under to decide how the money will be spent on local environmental and democracy initiatives.

“This innovative program puts Newark’s youth at the center of the city’s sustainability agenda — right where they should be — giving them real power to decide how the city invests in environmental projects that impact their neighborhoods and future,” Baraka said in a statement. “By putting decision-making power in their hands, we’re not just preparing tomorrow’s leaders; we’re empowering them to lead today.”

Led by Nicole Hewitt-Cabral, Newark’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Gen Green is part of the city’s broader push toward environmental justice, climate resilience, and urban greening. The program invites young people to design, vote on, and implement projects that address sustainability challenges in Newark’s neighborhoods.

Funded in part by the Participatory Budgeting Project, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that supports democratic budget processes across the U.S., the initiative aims to amplify young voices in shaping Newark’s sustainable future.

“Gen Green is a youth-powered, community-driven, future-focused initiative where Newark is leading by example,” said Hewitt-Cabral. “It’s a call to action and collaboration — bringing together city agencies, community organizations, and residents to create a Newark where every young person has a voice in building a sustainable, thriving future.”

The program is divided into five phases, culminating with the announcement of winning project proposals on Earth Day 2026. Over the past three months, Gen Green fellows have visited multiple Newark schools and afterschool programs to brainstorm and workshop sustainability ideas.

According to the city, the initiative is designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while teaching participants how public planning and budget decisions are made.

“A sustainable Newark isn’t a future idea — it’s a necessity that needs to happen now,” said Gen Green Youth Fellow Roselyn Muniz. “We’ve created a space for youth to move beyond talk and implement ideas that directly improve our community. It’s an honor to be part of this movement.”

For more information, visit newarknj.gov/gen-green.