A New Inclusionary Housing Framework — Newark Gets Serious About Affordability

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Newark enacted one of the most significant packages of housing equity legislation in its history in the first two months of 2026 — a rapid-fire series of ordinances that fundamentally changed the rules for development in the city. City Council approved Ordinance 560 on January 26, 2026, requiring developers of residential and mixed-use projects with 10 or more homes to restrict 10% of all homes to low- or moderate-income households — with large rental projects required to restrict affordable units to an average of 50% of Area Median Income, not to exceed 80% AMI — alongside a local preference policy giving priority to Newark residents and workers in below-market-rate units. Ordinance 561, approved January 22, 2026, added expanded tenant protections going beyond state law, including relocation assistance rights and landlord registration requirements taking effect May 1, 2026 with landlord registration due July 1, 2026. And Ordinance 563, approved February 12, 2026, brought Newark's zoning code into full compliance with state ADU law — opening up backyard unit production citywide for the first time.

Related cause: Housing Affordability

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