Newark mayoral candidates outline competing visions on housing, safety and business revitalization

At a League of Women Voters forum in Newark, three mayoral candidates laid out differing paths to address housing affordability, public safety and economic revitalization. Incumbent Mayor Michael Hannon emphasized experience and continuity; challengers Alyssa Martinez and Jason Miguel pressed for strategic partnerships, targeted housing and new approaches to development.

Hannon, who has served in local government for decades, framed his candidacy around public service and local projects: “We have built quite a number of affordable housing units here in the city of Newark,” he said, noting a recent Thornton Avenue development with 13 set‑aside for‑sale homes he described in the $250,000–$350,000 range. He highlighted efforts to convert an underused hotel with state funding and to secure housing vouchers for people at low income levels.

Martinez, a longtime resident and current school board and Ohlone College trustee, said Newark needs more targeted strategies and partnerships. “We need to stop distracting ourselves, and really focus on who is the population we’re trying to serve,” she said, pressing for specific developer partnerships and clearer use of in‑lieu fees to yield more affordable units.

Miguel, who grew up in Newark and graduated high school in 2017, emphasized attracting younger residents by promoting mixed‑use, denser development. “We should look at using rezoning into mixed use to have multiple homes,” he said, arguing higher‑density buildings and higher inclusion percentages would increase affordable unit counts.

On public safety, all three candidates put it at or near the top of the agenda. Hannon called it the top community priority and tied facility investment to Measure LL (the hotel tax increase on the November ballot). Martinez and Miguel also said funding for firefighters and community safety programs should be prioritized.

Candidates diverged on economic development tactics. Miguel proposed recruiting an “anchor” retailer to draw customers and jobs; Hannon pointed to bringing Costco to Newark as a success story and advocated selective business recruitment and Old Town revitalization; Martinez emphasized surveying residents before courting businesses to ensure community support.

Each candidate discussed sea‑level rise and homelessness as regional problems requiring county, state and federal collaboration. Martinez prioritized public education about wetlands, Miguel urged coordination with the Army Corps and county flood agencies, and Hannon said the city has hired consultants and will hold multiple public meetings.

The forum closed with each candidate giving two‑minute remarks and the League directing voters to vote411.org for election information. No formal votes or motions were taken at the forum.