The “yellow jackets” as they are informally known, Newark Downtown Districts (NDD) ambassadors work year-round to elevate the streetscape. The unmistakable sunshine yellow and black branding adorns their fleet of commercial vehicles and uniforms, a bright pop of color in the urban environment is a welcome sight. You can identify their “quality of life” ambassadors in their French Blue uniforms - their focus is addressing quality-of-life issues, such as improperly placed trash, panhandling, graffiti, public intoxication etc, has contributed to fostering an environment where residents, workers, and visitors feel secure.

The organization mission statement to “enhance cleanliness, safety and beautification of Downtown Newark while preserving and enriching culture, commerce and community” continues to make huge impact across Downtown Newark.

In 2023 this 501(c)(3), privately funded non profit celebrated a number of milestones: their silver anniversary (25 years) and expansion in the area they manage by <50%. Highlights of their year includes removal of ~900,000lbs of trash, 55,011 trash cans cleaned, 62,664 public fixtures cleaned, 8,729 stickers removed, 5247 graffiti items removed, assisted 14,000+ pedestrians, made 6000+ business contacts and <400 hours of snow removal.

The organization has continued to invest in their horticulture initiatives: you can see their vibrant, seasonal planters across the city, carefully curated to increase bio-diversity and to create a welcoming & lively atmosphere. Resilient evergreens are replaced in the spring to make way for the summer: you can expect bright flowers and bushes across the city in no time!
Rather than compost (or worse: simply trash), the plants each season the NDD team hosts plant donation events: each year the organisation donates over 8,000 plants back to the community. The first plant donation event of 2024 was held on May 11th 2024 at Newark Symphony hall, from 9am-1pm.

NDD Assistance

NDD staff were on hand to help residents select their preferred plants, offer advice about their care, load them into their vehicles and so much more. Most in downtown lack their own greens space /garden - they had that covered too! With art supplies (paint, brushes etc) on hand, you are able to decorate your own plant pot and receive a free succulent.

Children, teens, college students, professionals, seniors and an adult group-home made the most of the amazing weather on hand, aided by the music provided by Grnded DJ’s, Dana G, co-founder of Grounded Music Education: a DJ school located in the heart of downtown.

The event was a huge success with most of the larger plants finding new homes early in the morning: our recommendation is to attend early to secure your preferred plants and make the most of the activities on hand - many shared they still had succulents from last year going strong!