NEWARK — Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka released a video message responding to viral accusations circulating online about the budget of the mayor’s office, stating that claims shared on social media misrepresent how Newark’s municipal budget is structured.

The video, recorded from the mayor’s office and shared through official City of Newark social media channels, addresses claims circulating online suggesting the mayor’s office controls millions of dollars in discretionary spending.

Baraka said those claims lack context and misunderstand how the city’s budget is organized.

In the video, Baraka said Newark’s municipal budget is approximately $900 million and explained that the portion allocated to the mayor’s office represents less than one percent of the city’s total spending.

“The mayor’s office is less than one percent of a $900 million budget,” Baraka said while holding city budget documents in the video.

Baraka emphasized that the money listed under the mayor’s office budget does not go directly to the mayor personally, but instead supports staff and government operations connected to the office.

According to the mayor, funds categorized within the mayor’s office budget can include personnel and services tied to broader city operations. Those allocations may support administrative staff and services connected to city programs, including functions such as public defense services depending on how expenditures are categorized in the municipal budget.

Newark Budget Documents Are Public Records

Newark’s annual municipal budget is published publicly and includes detailed breakdowns of departmental spending, salaries, and operating costs. The city’s most recent budgets place total municipal spending at roughly $900 million.

The mayor encouraged residents to review the official budget documents rather than rely on claims circulating online.

“These are public records,” Baraka said in the video. “Anybody can go look at the budget.”

Misinformation Claims Circulating Online

The mayor’s response follows the circulation of online videos and commentary questioning the size and purpose of the mayor’s office budget. Some posts have suggested that the office controls millions of dollars without adequate explanation.

City officials say those claims often misunderstand how municipal budget categories are structured and how staff salaries and operational costs are distributed across departments.

Baraka said his administration remains committed to transparency and urged residents to verify information using official city budget documents.

Sources

City of Newark Official Video Statement

City of Newark Municipal Budget Documents

Newark Municipal User Friendly Budget