East Orange: A City of Opportunity and Growth

When you think of East Orange, what comes to your mind? For those of us who live, work, and raise families here, we know our city is a vibrant, diverse community rich in history and full of promise. Today, we are proud to add another accolade to that legacy: East Orange was recently recognized as one of the top 10 U.S. cities with the fastest income growth between 2022 and 2023, with the median household income rising 29.3% compared to the national average of 4%.

This acknowledgement is not just a statistic—rather it is evidence of the hard work, resilience, and determination of my administration and our residents. It is proof that when a city invests in its people, they rise.

For years, East Orange has been re-building an infrastructure of opportunity. From creating pathways for economic mobility to championing local businesses, our city has prioritized initiatives that create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and attract investment. This recognition reflects those efforts.

But let’s be clear: this achievement isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about families who deserve a better quality of life. It’s about young professionals who see East Orange as a city where they can thrive. It’s about seniors who can enjoy the fruits of their labor in a community that respects and cares for them.

Our income growth speaks to the power of collaboration. It’s the result of partnerships between our government, local businesses, community organizations, and residents. Together, we are rewriting the story of what’s possible for urban communities like ours.

East Orange’s growth didn’t happen by coincidence. We are intentional about crafting policies and programs that lift up everyone. From job training initiatives to affordable housing developments, we are dedicated to ensuring that growth is equitable and inclusive.

As we celebrate this milestone, we must also recognize the work that lies ahead. Growth must be sustainable and must address the needs of every resident, from our students striving for academic excellence to our seniors looking for secure retirement options.

To our residents, I say thank you. Thank you for believing in East Orange and for being the heartbeat of bour city. This recognition belongs to all of us, and together, we will continue to make East Orange a model of progress and prosperity.

The best is yet to come.