Councilwoman Michelle Newman

06/11/2026

In depth work has begun in the seventh ward, so please be sure to follow the City of Newark Ohio Construction Updates page for ongoing closure information. North Street info is provided below.

ROAD CLOSURE

UPDATE:
NORTH STREET CLOSURE WILL EXTEND TO HUDSON AVENUE BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th

Road: NORTH STREET

Location: Between Hudson Avenue and Case Avenue

Beginning: Wednesday, June 17th

Duration: ~4 Months

Other Details: Hudson Avenue Open. Maple Avenue CLOSED. Case Avenue CLOSED.

Project: 16 North Sewer Separation Project Phase 1

Project Website: https://www.newarkohio.gov/water-wastewater-construction-projects/ -toc__heading-anchor-8

Questions? Please Call: (740) 670-7946

Dates Subject to Change

06/03/2026

Free summer lunches with the Licking County Library. Please share widely!

Summer lunches begin tomorrow at our Downtown Newark location! Anyone age 18 and under can visit the lower level from 12 - 1pm for free lunch.

05/28/2026

Newark Strawberry Festival is this weekend - May 29-31. See you there, Newark 🍓

05/26/2026

This weekend at Canal Market District!

This weekend ☀️🇺🇸

Join us May 30 & 31 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Canal Market District for Newark’s 250 Homecoming Picnic.

Bring your picnic lunch, gather your friends and family, and enjoy live music from Barefoot McCoy as we celebrate 250 years of history and community.

Tables and chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thanks to sponsors First Federal Savings, the Downtown Newark Association, and Explore Licking County for supporting this incredible community event. We hope to see you there!

05/23/2026

I know many residents along Mount Vernon Road - and folks that routinely use this thoroughfare - are concerned about the upcoming sewer separation project and the significant traffic impacts it will bring over the next several months.

The reality is that much of Newark’s underground infrastructure is decades old, and projects like this are necessary to reduce flooding risks, improve stormwater and wastewater systems, and prepare our city for the future. It’s not glamorous work, and it absolutely creates short-term frustration, but this is the kind of investment cities have to make to protect neighborhoods and maintain reliable infrastructure long-term.

Because this project is happening in Ward 7, I’ll be sharing updates as I receive them and doing my best to help communicate concerns from residents and businesses impacted by the construction. Please continue reaching out to me directly with questions, traffic concerns, or issues that arise during the project. Check out this article from Newark Advocate:

Massive sewer separation project to close Mount Vernon Road for months

Newark plans to start a multi-year, two-phase sewer separation project around Mount Vernon Road that seeks to reduce combined sewer overflow.

05/20/2026

I’ve seen some confusion online regarding the recently approved AFSCME union agreement, so I wanted to clarify a few things.

This agreement does not apply to City Council or elected officials. It applies to union-represented city employees who help operate and maintain the daily services residents rely on across Newark.

The contract process had been ongoing since the end of 2025 and ultimately went through fact-finding, where compensation and benefits are compared against similar communities and recommendations are made to both sides.

I understand residents are concerned about costs and want to see strong city services. I do too. But retaining experienced, qualified employees is part of maintaining those services, especially as Newark now faces difficult financial decisions following the levy outcome.

Supporting city employees does not mean ignoring budget realities. It means recognizing that the people doing the work are one of the city’s most important assets as we move forward and make tough decisions together.

Newark city employees will receive raises and other benefits after the city and AFSCME Local 2963 finalized a contract. See link below ⬇️

📸 Josué Perez/The Advocate

05/19/2026

Please check in with the City of Newark Ohio Construction Updates to see if your home qualifies for a lead line replacement. This work is at no cost to you. Reach out and get on the schedule!

The city of Newark will replace water service lines that contain lead and restore the disturbed area for free. Contact the Newark Water Office to learn more.

05/09/2026

11th Annual Downtown Newark Food Truck Festival benefitting Licking County Coalition for Housing

05/06/2026

This Saturday, May 9 is the 11th Annual Downtown Newark Food Truck Festival. Over 30 trucks will be present at the Canal Market District from 11am-8pm. All beverage purchase proceeds benefit Licking County Coalition for Housing. I'm a proud member of the board for LCCH, and I am excited for how the community supports the event - and in turn the work of LCCH. To see the full truck lineup visit https://www.downtownnewarkfoodtruckfestival.com/

Send a message to learn more

05/06/2026

Tonight, Newark voters made their voices heard and decided not to move forward with the proposed income tax increase. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and be part of the process.

While I’m disappointed in the outcome, I respect the decision of the voters. The work now shifts to Council, Finance Committee, and the administration as we navigate some difficult financial decisions in the months ahead. I also believe we need broader and more transparent conversations about the real costs of providing city services, maintaining infrastructure, and attracting and retaining the people who serve our community every day.

I encourage residents to stay engaged as those conversations continue.