Announcements
Stay up to date with the latest Newark housing news, events, and other updates.
Newark City Council approves 2026-2031 Affordable Housing Work Plan
City Council approved an updated Affordable Housing Work Plan on October 22, 2026. The updated Work Plan guides City policy and affordable housing investments through 2031.
City of Newark launches first-time homebuyer program
The City of Newark, in partnership with Hello Housing, has launched its Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) Program to help eligible first-time homebuyers purchase a home in Newark. Beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026, interested homebuyers can submit pre-applications for loans of up to $200,000 to help cover down payment costs, with priority given to those who currently live or work in Newark.
Just Adopted! Objective Design Standards
Newark City Council recently adopted Objective Design Standards and related zoning amendments to clarify City expectations and requirements for new housing development and streamline development approvals for eligible projects.
Rental Registration Now Open
City Council adopted Ordinance 561 on January 22, 2026, to protect renters, reduce displacement and homelessness, and clarify the rights and obligations of renters and landlords.
Ordinance 561 requires landlords to register their rental properties by July 1, 2026. The registration portal is now live and landlords are encouraged to register their properties online.
Rental Assistance: Accepting Applications
The City is also providing one-time rental assistance to support Newark residents with delinquent rent or security deposit, and first month’s rent due to a temporary financial setback. For more information, visit www.housing.newarkca.gov/tenant-protections.
Newark project to receive $2.95 million in County Measure W funds
The City of Newark’s Thornton Avenue Apartments has been selected as part of Alameda County’s launch of $50 million in Measure W “Home Together” funding for permanent supportive housing projects.
At a press conference on Wednesday, March 4, County officials announced the historic investment in ready-to-go housing developments aimed at addressing homelessness and offsetting recent federal funding reductions. Newark’s Thornton Avenue project will receive $2,925,000 in Measure W funding, including $2,375,000 for construction and $550,000 in operating support.
Pre-Approved ADU Plans: Applications Now Accepted!
Calling fabricators, architects, and homeowners with ADUs! The City is now accepting applications for ADU plan pre-approval. Submit your plans today for review by the Planning and Building Inspection Divisions!
Seniors: Apply Now for Minor Home Repair Grants!
Homeowners 62 or older or who have a disability may be eligible for up to a $3,000 grant from Alameda County for minor home repairs.
You can contact the County today to confirm your eligibility and apply for your minor home repair grant.
Upcoming Trainings
FAIR HOUSING TRAINING
June 20, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
ECHO HOUSING WELCOMES HOUSING PROVIDERS, RENTERS, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Topics include:
State and federal fair housing laws;
Who is protected under the law;
Reasonable accommodations and modifications for tenants with disabilities;
Renting to families with children;
Occupancy standards;
Advertising guidelines;
And more!
TESTER TRAINING
June 26, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
ECHO Housing is conducting a free training for persons interested in assisting us to uncover housing discrimination in Alameda, Monterey, and Contra Costa Counties.
Our Fair Housing Specialists document complaints on housing discrimination and investigate fair housing complaints. Fair Housing Testers are trained to pose as home seekers, collect information, and report back to Staff about their experiences.
Testers work as independent contractors for ECHO on an as-needed, on-call basis. The frequency with which testers are called is determined by the types of cases investigated.
Compensation for the project is $45 - $60 per test and 70 cents per mile.
ECHO Housing cannot accept trainees with certain convictions.
For more information, please contact Angie at 855-ASK-ECHO (855-275-3246), or email to angie@echofairhousing.org.
We’re here to help.
