Councilwoman Michelle Newman

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Newark!

Mira and I had a great afternoon at the Newark Labor Day Parade, followed by lunch with members of our community hosted by the Licking Knox Muskingum Coshocton Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Labor Day is a reminder that the strength of our communities has always depended on working people, and that organized labor has played an important role in giving workers a collective voice, advocating for fair treatment, and helping build the protections many of us benefit from today.

I’m grateful for everyone who works every day to keep Newark moving, caring for our neighbors, building our community, and making this a place we’re proud to call home.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

08/24/2026

NEWARK UPDATE: Crews restored power to all affected customers around 9:30 p.m. Thank you for your patience as they worked as quickly as they safely could to get the lights back on.
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NEWARK: Crews are on site working as quickly as they safely can to restore power to nearly 3,200 customer in the area. We will not stop until the lights are back on. Register for restoration updates at AEPOhio.com/Alerts.

08/11/2026

I know a lot of the seventh ward is still without power. Crews are out working! Please use caution around downed lines.

08/10/2026

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff Hotchkiss.

I got to know Jeff during my years at Canal Market District, where he became my go-to person whenever something at the Market Pavilion needed a little help. Whether it was figuring out how to get a 15-foot Christmas tree standing upright, dealing with loose bricks, or troubleshooting whatever electrical issue had popped up, Jeff always seemed to know what to do.

I can still picture him cruising up in his truck, window down, arm hanging out the side, ready to laugh with me about whatever problem I had for him that day.

And then he’d get to work.

There never seemed to be a problem Jeff couldn’t handle. He either knew how to fix it or knew exactly who could. He was always friendly, kind and upbeat, and I genuinely looked forward to getting to work with him.

My heart goes out to Jeff’s family, friends and his colleagues with the City of Newark. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him and incredibly grateful for the many years he gave to our community.

Newark is a better place because Jeff was here.

View Jeffrey Hotchkiss's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/02/2026

Newark has more legitimate needs than available money, and every CDBG (and budget) allocation requires choices. I understand that reality. The concerns of neighbors matter. So do the realities of homelessness and food insecurity, and the work of the nonprofit and faith communities trying to address them.

I do not believe every request must be funded or that city government can solve every problem. I do believe a modest investment in organizations already doing this difficult work belongs among our priorities.

I am not interested in turning this into heroes and villains. I am interested in being honest about the choices we make and what those choices say about our community. I wrote more about why here:

A Newark Council member says city should address problems at Community Drop-In Center raised by nearby residents, not cut modest $11,000 grant.

07/24/2026

This weekend I had the chance to celebrate the Buckeye Valley YMCA’s 150th anniversary, and it reminded me just how fortunate we are to have organizations like the Y at the heart of our community.

Seeing so many friends, neighbors, and colleagues gathered together in one place filled me with hope. The Licking County Family YMCA is so much more than a workout facility. It’s a place where people of all ages build friendships, support one another, and strengthen our community.

I’m grateful to be a member, grateful for the fellowship, and proud to celebrate 150 years of an organization that continues to make Licking County a better place to call home. Here’s to the next 150 years!

07/21/2026

Check out this great segment on R & M Bakery in the heart of the 7th Ward 🍪 ♥️