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Newarkers Organized For Accountable Development (NOFAD)
South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) works towards environmental justice by ensuring residents are active participants in decision-making policies that impact their neighborhoods.
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Because real estate development and urban planning have major impacts on our urban environment, in 2023 SWEA and partners launched Newarkers Organized For Accountable Development (NOFAD), a technical resource and coalition to increase the influence of Newarkers on real estate development and land use in our communities.
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NOFAD supports residents and organizations who
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are creating positive visions for their neighborhoods
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believe in productive engagement with developers and builders
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want to be informed and involved in deciding how the city develops through decisions by the Planning and Zoning Boards
Accountable Development is Environmental Justice!
NOFAD Activities
NOFAD offers training for organizations and residents who want to understand how development decisions are made and advocate for healthy, high quality development in their neighborhoods.
1. NOFAD Workshops
Our trainers will work with your neighborhood association, block club, or other resident organization to plan and deliver workshops for your members and neighbors on Newark’s planning and development process. These one-session hands-on workshops on the public planning process, zoning, and affordable housing are designed for a broad spectrum of residents who may have little past experience with development politics.
2. NOFAD Certification Course
This eight-session course offers a detailed introduction to the legal processes that determine what can be built in Newark, and how advocates can use them effectively. This course is designed for individuals already involved in community advocacy work as staff or volunteers.
NOFAD Partners
South Ward Environmental Alliance provides the founding visions for NOFAD and is the lead convenor for NOFAD. The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) is an alliance of residents and community based organizations with a focus on environmental justice issues in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey. SWEA's mission is to cultivate healthy and vibrant neighborhoods by ensuring residents' voices are heard and they are active participants in decision making policies that impact their neighborhood.
Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) has the mission to partner with residents to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood, ensure that development is equitable and just, and advocate for what the community needs and deserves. CHCA has pioneered the Development Watch model that keeps residents aware, informed, and activated to ensure quality development in the South Ward.
HECTOR urban design is a design, planning, and civic arts practice based in Newark, whose work may be viewed at hectorurbandesign.com.
Supported by Victoria Foundation
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2023 NOFAD Certification Course Participants
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Ironbound Community Corporation,
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District,
